Scarce antique US socket bayonet of the whale bone type for fencing.
Made for US Model 1816 musket with bayonet lug on top of the barrel.
The 3” long socket has a T mortise, and is serial numbered “L 13” at the end of the socket.
It has its original 1816 markings on the socket near the shank “W d 52”, which were applied at a US arsenal.
The blade for this was a long narrow piece of whale bone, which was secured by a small screw on the back.
When fresh, the whale bone would bend and snap back. This is complete with its original screw.
It’s typical of those made before the Civil War, of the type used at West Point by U.S. Grant & Robert E. Lee as cadets.
It has its original arsenal brown patina. Condition as seen in photos. These are rare.

Socket length: 3”
Blade length: 2 ¼”
Stud to muzzle length: 1 1/8”

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