Dahlgren Bayonet. Chicopee, Mass: Ames Mfg. Co., 1864. Clearly marked "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass" to ricasso, and "USN / D. R. / 1864 / P G G" with an anchor to ricasso reverse. Blade 12 1/4 in. Overall 18 3/4 in. long. 

While "father of American naval ordnance" John A. Dahlgren (1809-1870) is better-known as the mind behind a number of large-scale naval artillery pieces, his attention in 1856 was drawn to small arms. The navy Whitney-Plymouth percussion rifle was developed under his direction, and, with it, a bayonet with the stylings of a Bowie knife. Dahlgren intended for the bayonet to be a formidable weapon in its own right. Many were simply issued without the rifle and were used in place of cutlasses. 

By the time of this bayonet's manufacture in 1864, Dahlgren was serving as Rear Admiral and commanding the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. That very year, he would aid in General William Tecumseh Sherman's March to the Sea, helping Sherman capture Savannah, Georgia. 

Complete in its original leather scabbard, this is a thoroughly fine example of a scarce edged weapon, with an overall clean blade and a slightly warm patina to the brass elements. The ergonomic, grooved wooden grip is original, with no visible cracks and little to no wear. 

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

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