US M1873 45-70 Bayonet, Hoffman Pattern Short Belt Loop Scabbard, Waterviliet Arsenal
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $55.00

Original era manufacture. Short belt look45-70 bayonet as used throughout the Indian Wars and Spanish American War.The scabbard is a real prize however, as it is clearly stamped on the reverse of the belt loop, Waterviliet Arsenal. To  add an extra cherry to the top of the pie, is that the frog & loop is of the experimental Hoffman device, which was a combination of two brass discs placed on the belt loop, which allowed the scabbard to pivot on the wearers body, thus preventing damage or tearing to the stitching of the loop. This pattern was further modified by the addition of a stop post, placed on the outer disc which prevented the 360 degree movement of the pivot, preventing the accidental instance of allowing the bayonet to fall from the metal scabbard body. For more information on this frog, see pages 166-168 in American Socket Bayonets & Scabbards by Robert M. Reilly.Dent free steel scabbard with with most of the blue finish remaining. Sound, short pattern, black leather belt loop, with a Waterviliet Arsenal stamp and date.