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Title Lee Navy rifle bayonet
Nationality American
Period c 1900
Sold

9 out of 12 of these bayonets have 'WASHINGTON / NAVAL YARD' burnt into the wooden grip in an oval border around 'US ORD. DEPT.' (rather worn and not all visible). However, no brand on this one, though it is clearly the same bayonet and was bought in the same batch.

The Washington Naval Yard was the largest US Navy ordnance store department in the US and was located in Virginia.

These bayonets were probably either captured Mexican pieces from the border wars in the early 20th century or were custom built by Remington for the US Navy. This is a modified form of the Mexican issue, inasmuch as it has a US-style steel belt hook where the Mexican originals had a leather one. I have never seen examples of this bayonet (in the US issue format) before in 40 years of collecting and dealing. They may well have been made for the Lee bolt action rifle, which the navy bought in limited quantities, c 1900.

The blade of one of this lot of bayonets (12 in all) was marked on one side, 'REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION N.Y.'; and on the other, 'BANNERMAN ISLAND N.Y.'

The condition is consonant with its age and use; typically some blueing remaining to the top mount of the scabbard and the belt hook.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Edged Weapons : Bayonets : American : 19th Century]

testimonials

The bayonet has safely arrived this this morning. Thank you very much for professional and highest quality service. Looking forward to do the business again.

S F, UK, 21.04.2012

It is here! Very nice piece! That is a wonderful birthday present for my new life.

M G, Germany, 29.02.2008

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