Developed following the Civil War, the Trowel Bayonet was part of the age old battle between wanting to give the fighting man tools that will make his life better (and hopefully longer) and not wanting to overburden the trooper in the field. Many of the battles of the Civil War clearly demonstrated the virtue of being able to dig in when holding a fixed position, and it was hoped that a combined tool could do the job. The concept had enemies and supporters, the latter including Major Reno of Little Big Horn fame; in correspondence he lamented the fact that his unit only had 3 spades available when facing off against the enemy. Measuring 13 inches overall, the trowel features a blade 8 7/8 inches long and 4 inches wide, slightly concave along the top and featuring a prominent spine on the underside. The joint and socket are very similar to the then-standard bayonet, with the addition of a metal bow on the front of the joint to create a finger loop. Includes a brass-tipped brown leather scabbard marked with faint "PAT DEC. 1, 1868" (in reference to Felix Chillingworth's patent 84,612) and "US" on the reverse of the belt loop. In the book "The American Bayonet 1776-1964" by Albert N. Hardin Jr., the Model 1868 trowel bayonet is described on pages 197-199 in which it states, "No patent disclosure is known to support the design configuration of this model [1868]. Further, no authority for its initial manufacture has been found, although at least three sources credit the National Armory with having made 200 during 1868 and 1869. Twenty-five of this pattern were submitted to the Board of Officers convened in accordance with General Orders No. 60, dated August 6, 1869, and No. 72, dated October 23, 1869. These bayonets were issued to the Battalion of Engineers for trial in the field; their favorable report undoubtedly did much to influence the Board's subsequent adoption of the arm and its recommendation of further trials. From Willet's Point, New York Harbor, on May 27th, 1870, a report was made to Brevet Maj. General A. A. Humphreys, Commander of the Corps of Engineers, on the performance of the 100 bayonets sent to that post for trial. Major Henry L. Abbott's letter reports that they are unsuited for stacking arms, are unmilitary in appearance, and are impossible to use as digging implements for any length of time because of their uncomfortable grip..." The Model 1868 trowel bayonet has a solid fixed finger loop, unlike the subsequent Model 1869 that has a built in tampion to protect the muzzle end of the barrel. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine with mostly bright surfaces, light pitting on the trowel, and moderate pitting on the socket. The scabbard is very good with some flaking, cracking and verdigris buildup.