December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
Supreme example of a rare Pattern 1861 Dahlgren bowie bayonet, often referred to as the Plymouth Naval Rifle Bowie Knife Bayonet. Designed in 1856 by US Navy Admiral John A. B. Dahlgren for use aboard his ship, the USS Plymouth, this pattern of knife bayonet replaced the saber-style bayonet. These bayonets were produced for the US Navy by Ames Mfg. Co. of Chicopee, Massachusetts in September 1861. This example is marked “U.S.N. / D.R. / 1863” on the obverse ricasso and “AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE, MASS.” on the reverse ricasso. The bayonet features an unfullered, bowie style, spear point blade which measures approximately 12" in length. The hilt is constructed of a heavy brass, 1-piece pommel, guard, and back strap with a 1-piece walnut finger grooved grip. The pommel is marked with the inspector mark “DR” for Daniel Reynolds, who inspected USN Ames Cutlasses and Dahlgren Bayonets. The bayonet is complete with its original leather scabbard with brass mounts, as well as its original leather frog which features an intact belt loop. A piece of notebook paper from the collector is included with the bayonet and states that this Dahlgren bowie was purchased at the Columbus Ohio Gun Show on November 8, 1964, 101 years after this bayonet was manufactured. CONDITION: The blade remains bright with crisp markings. The brass hilt exhibits a pleasing mustard patina with scattered blemishes from age and handling. Wood grip remains firmly in place and exhibits handling wear. The scabbard exhibits various scuffs and scratches but remains firm with a tight seam and sturdy mounts. Brass mounts exhibit a dark patina. Tip is missing 1 retaining rivet. Overall very good. A fine, complete example of a rare Civil War edged weapon.