Is this what I think it is? If so, it's a very good find.

[Shane (Arkansas)]

Bought this bayonet at the local sheriff's auction a couple of weeks ago. From what I've found on other websites, it looks to be an 1862 Zouave Sword Bayonet possibly made by Remington for an 1862 Rifled Musket. It is 24 7/8" long overall and the blade is 20". The handle is solid cast brass. The only markings on it are on the top of the handle and eighter side of the handle on the hilt. These markings appear to be inspectors initials. On top is "B.H." on the right is "H". and on the left is "C". The spring is on the right side.

Does anyone have the same or a different opinion on what this is? And by the way, I only spent $11.00 on it. That is why I'm listing it as a "find".

 

[puddlejumper]

Taat is the best $11.00 investment you ever made. Chec ou this website for positive I D. andersonmilitaria.com has the twin listed. Let me know that you found it.

 

[d-2]

Shane, you lucky skunk. Wanna trade it for some dimes?????...d2

 

[SoArk]

Shane, That's a great find there, fella! You didn't even have to dig it outta the ground! d2 offered you some old dimes..... they're just old coins! How about a couple of Mississippi Drops?

Good Job,

Kim

 

[Shane (Arkansas)]

I see. So NOW you want to come off of some of those coins!!! Where EXACTLY again did you find those???? At this point, I'm thinking not. Kim was right (see above post) that this find was too easy in that I didn't have to dig. However, I did have to wait in 100 degree heat to bid on it. Funny part is that I really wasn't sure what it was, but knew it was pre-WWI. Also, two other newer bayonets went first for close to $70 each. They offered all four at the same time with high bidder getting choice. I only had about $50 bucks to spend without getting a divorce over it. So I got outbid the first and second time and both guys did not choose this piece. I wanted this one only from the start. I can't believe no one bid higher that $11 on it. This is truly my best "find" so far.

 

[Shane (Arkansas)]

Thanks Kim. I'll bring it down next time I come. I think this is my reward for having such a crappy winter hunt this year. And by the way, NO I don't want to trade, but I'll bring it down and you can hold it for a few seconds.

 

[Shane (Arkansas)]

I did find the similar one you referenced. The dimensions are different and mine has a spring that is 3/8" longer. My hilt is a little shorter 4 13/16" (his is 4 15/16"), my blade is shorter 20" (his is 21 3/4"). His does not list any inspectors initials but mine does. Now, I don't know what these differences mean. I did find another website whose description more closely matches what I have. That site is http://arms2armor.com/Bayonets/uszouave.htm
Thanks for the information. I hope to have someone positivel ID or confirm what I've found. Any way you go though, I think I got very lucky this go around.

 

[WyDiablo]

I was with you guys at Jenkins Ferry a few years back relic hunting. I rode in the truck with Fred from Russelivlle I belive thats his name and where he lives. Bryan and his wife rode in your SUV that day. Do you still relive hunt or coin hunt? I have lost contact with all the guys from M.A.R.S. I hope that they are doing great. Drop me a line sometimes and maybe we can get a hunt going. chalagidiablo@netzero.com

 

[puddlejumper]

Any way you go, you made a good find(purchase) or whatever. There are several I have seen that are very close, but be assured it is a period item. WTG

 

[Shane (Arkansas)]

Yes, I still relic hunt quite a bit. I had a slow year this past year though. I'm trying to remember which one you are. I'm terrible with names. Is this Jim R.? I would love to get together again for a hunt. Just drop me a line whenever you like. I'll save your email address.

 

[Anonymous]

Looks like it to me. Best bet is to try to attach it to a repro Zouave musket if you have any friends who reenact. If it's too small it may be post war, but it appears to be CW. Nice piece, David @ Dixie