1866-97 Indian Wars:
While previous versions of the socket bayonets where used to fight the Indian Wars, there were a few produced during this time period. The USA Springfield Model 1873 45/70 socket bayonet had many similarities to the previously made US Model 1855. Both of these models of bayonets can be identified by the blade not having a shoulder and have deep flutes instead. They both have 18 inch blades with a socket length of 3 inches. They have a difference in size on the muzzle ring internal diameter. Many of the M1855s had been made to fit the same Trapdoor Springfield Rifles that the M1873 had been made for making it difficult to distinguish the two models of bayonets. The M1873 bayonets will most likely have a blued finish, not always but it’s a good way to tell it from the bright finish of the M1855 models. The scabbard will be made from rolled sheet steel and have a leather frog/belt loop with a rosette that allows the frog to swivel. There was also a variation of the M1873 made in a trowel version. The M1873 Trowel Bayonet was meant to slip over the muzzle of the 45/70-caliber 1873 Trapdoor Springfield Rifle and other rifles made similarly and then a bridge and mortise slot had an integral locking collar to hold it in place. This was rarely used for more than digging a trench and doing other tasks that required digging but it was designed as a weapon.