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MODEL 1855 SABRE BAYONET AND FIRST PATTERN MODEL
1855 RIFLEMAN’S BELT – A MAGNIFICENT SET IN EXCELLENT
UNISSUED “LIKE NEW” CONDITION: This matching,
complete set of the Model 1855 Sabre Bayonet and the
Model 1855 Rifleman’s Belt have been together as a set
for many years – perhaps from the time in which they
were originally manufactured – and have survived the
passage of time in remarkable, “like new” unissued
condition. One of the many uniform items and
accoutrements the United States Army modeled on the
French Army equipment in use from the late 1830’s
through the late 1860’s, the Model 1855 Rifleman’s Belt
and Bayonet are a very close copy of the sabre bayonet
belt worn by the French chasseurs a pied. Issued with
the newly introduced Model 1855 Springfield Rifle, this
belt and bayonet saw service during the American Civil
War and is well documented in period photographs.
This first pattern, early production belt, is identified
by the asymmetrical straps connecting the bayonet frog
to the belt – the rear strap being much wider at the top
than is the front strap. As to be expected, these early
pattern belts are quite rare, particularly in this
condition. Showing no signs of issue or use, and
virtually no evidence of aging, this belt has survived
the years in excellent, “like new” condition. The
leather surface of the belt, suspension straps and the
frog body is bright and clear with no crazing or flaking
and the surfaces are overall shiny and smooth. All of
the billets – the closing tab on the frog and the
adjustment billets – one on each end of the inside of
the belt – are intact, full length, and show no signs of
weakness. The two-piece interlocking belt plate, the
two brass standing loops and the horseshoe shaped buckle
on the frog are all present and have a very nice finish
which matches the color and finish of brass hilt on the
bayonet. The brass standing loops have a hole at the
top which were intended to be anchors for the hooks on
the front shoulder straps of the knapsack, and so
attached the belt would offset the weight of the
knapsack on the soldier’s back.
The Model 1855 Sabre Bayonet and Scabbard are in equally
excellent condition. The bayonet is full length and
shows no evidence of sharpening, retaining its full
original form and profile. The surface of the blade is
overall bright with only a very few minor pin points of
discoloration. The blade is properly marked with a “US”
on one side of the ricasso. The brass guard is full
form and shows no sign of use or damage and it retains
the original polish. The locking catch functions
properly, and the catch spring and release button still
bear traces of the original case colors. The scabbard
is complete and solid throughout its full length with no
sign of weakness or having been folded as so many were
in use, and with all the stitching intact along the
seam. The leather surface is excellent with a bright,
shiny surface and no crazing or flaking. Both the brass
throat and tip have a nice finish and color, and are
full form with no loosening from the scabbard body due
to the leather shrinking with age. The rear of the
leather body of the scabbard is maker stamped “MADE BY
J. I. PITTMAN”, a well known maker of military equipment
who was established in New York City as early as 1845.
This is a truly magnificent matching set of the highest
quality, and there would never be a need to upgrade – if
such an unlikely opportunity would present. The
condition and appearance of this set is the type of
accoutrement which, when displayed with a Model 1855
Springfield Rifle, defines the discerning nature of a
collection. (1001) $4350
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