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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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