A follow-up to the Model 1868 Trowel Bayonet, the Model 1869 is one of the many attempts by the U.S. Army to develop and field a bayonet that could also act as a digging tool. The Model 1869 improved upon the previous model, now with the addition of a tampion to keep dirt out of the muzzle in response to concerns of soldiers attempting to use the tool for digging while fixed. The front of the finger ring has been replaced with a hinged arm, which can be flipped up to plug the muzzle with a replaceable felt or leather tampion. Overall length is 12 3/4 inches, with the lightly dished triangular blade measuring 8 3/4 inches long and 3 7/8 inches wide, with the spine profile, joint, and socket all closely following the then-standard U.S. bayonet pattern. "12" is marked on the edge of the flip-up block. Includes a brass-tipped brown leather scabbard marked with "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 1869 trowel bayonet is described on pages 199-201 in which it states, "This bayonet was made as part of the initial lot of 200 completed at Springfield Armory in March, 1869. Apparently no more were made, and their actual number cannot be determined in the light of the mixed production run. The basic design of the M1869 is covered by Letters Patent No. 91,564, issued to Edmund Rice on July 22, 1869... At the time the swiveling tompion device was no doubt deemed an improvement over the standard M1868 type. The Chief of Ordnance complained that the trowel bayonet encouraged soldiers to dig with the bayonet fixed." Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very fine with bright surfaces, and some light pitting. The scabbard is fine with some light cracking, verdigris buildup, and a loose brass tip.