Popularly known to the collecting world as the "Bowie-bayonet" for the Model 1898 Springfield-Krag rifle, it was officially designated "Combination Entrenching Knife-bayonet" but proved inadequate for digging rifle pits. Its wide 9" single edge blade is marked on obverse ricasso 'U.S.' and dated '1900' on reverse. Steel mountings finished bright; dark wood grips. Steel scabbard in the curved shape of the blade with blued finish and steel fitting to affix on to waist belt." These are very fine examples of very scarce knives made only one year in orig scabbards. SIZE: PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Both knives are very fine. One retains virtually all of its orig luster, the other has some old cleaning with scratching and pinprick pitting. Markings on both are excellent. Grips are sound and solid. Iron mounts have staining and pinprick pitting. One scabbard retain about 60-80% thinning blue finish, the other has traces of blue but is an overall plum/brown with staining and pitting. 53094-162 JS (2,000-3,000)