Item #69808 : Original era manufacture. Experimental bayonet from the early 1870's with an original black leather covered metal scabbard. The polished steel blade is fairly bright and clean, with very minor scattered corrosion spotting and staining but no real issues. Deep blue finish to the mounting socket and shank, which operates as it should. Stamped into the surface of the shank is Pat. Apr. 18. 72.The leather covering to the metal bodied scabbard is in good condition for one of these, the brass tip is in place. The metal body is not crushed and the blade can be inserted and withdrawn easily. The belt loop is present, but frail, the brass US rosette remains. A final historical note, these trowel bayonets did see service use in an experimental capacity during the Nez Perce campaign of 1877. Later thousands were sold surplus by Bannerman's of New York in the late 19th century. They had so many in stock in those years, they sold them for years as garden tools. They look great when mounted on the barrel of an early model M1873 Springfield rifle.