1861-65 Civil War:
Many of the bayonets that saw action during the Civil War were made in previous years of bayonet production. Just before the Civil War began the M1862 Sword Bayonet was produced by Remington and it did have it’s place in the Civil War. The US Model 1855 was certainly used as many of these bayonets were made for the Brazilian Navy but they were eventually sent to the US. There was also replacement bayonet that was made to replace the bayonets of those who lost theirs. It was the US M1816 Socket Replacement Bayonet or the Conversion Bayonet as some have called it. These would fit the US Model 1816 Flintlock Muskets that had been converted to have a bayonet. The M1855 was the successor to the M1816. The m1855 underwent a modification during 1863. The mortise slot was made a bit bigger on the muzzle locking ring so that there would be a better lock. These ended up being called Type 2’s and the ones prior to the modification were called Type 1’s. No matter what type of M1855 it is, it will more than likely have a bright finish or what is known as “in the white” and be an all metal design that will fit the US manufactured .58 muskets. It has an 18” blade with a 3” socket. The scabbards made for this socket bayonet was made of various materials and included a finial in the shape of a tear drop and a belt loop of leather that was riveted.