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 American Bayonet 1776-1964" by Albert N. Hardin Jr., the Model 1868 trowel bayonet is described on pages 197-199: "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..." 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.