Civil War Zouave Bayonet?

Discussion in 'Militaria' started by adriaspiess, Mar 29, 2015.

  1. adriaspiess

    adriaspiess New Member

    I purchased this bayonet at an estate sale and it was tagged to have belonged to a Spencer Model 1861 Navy Rifle (also on a separate tag was written Model 1862 Remington Zouave). After some online research I've come to realize that the majority of these bayonets were marked with a "B.H." indicating the inspector as well as various other letters seemingly stamped randomly on the metal work (C, S, and L were some examples I saw).

    The only markings I can find on this bayonet are on the handle itself which is stamped "76 PA ><", the bottom of the pommel which is stamped "US", the brass bottom of the scabbard stamped "P", and along the opposite actual sword blade edge stamped "7 83".

    I do know some Civil War military items that were issued to the so called 'Keystone Zouaves' (the 76th Pennsylvania Regiment) were stamped or marked with a "76 PA" but I have no way of knowing if this associated with that regiment. The location of this estate sale was in Maryland but very near the PA state line. The handle is non-magnetic and appears to be brass as is the metal work on the scabbard. Any insight would be much appreciated. I've attached a few pictures.
     

    Attached Files:

    KingofThings likes this.
  2. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    It's nice that the frog came with it.
     
    KingofThings likes this.
  3. terry5732

    terry5732 Well-Known Member

    The stamps look like they were applied around 1961
     
  4. adriaspiess

    adriaspiess New Member

    Is your opinion based on the font of the markings? And any idea if this makes this particular item more likely to be a reproduction or original period piece that was stamped for a reenactment, etc (although I can't imagine that being the case)?
     
  5. springfld.arsenal

    springfld.arsenal Store: http://www.springfieldarsenal.net/

    Terry is correct. I think "76 PA > <" and "US" are both spurious markings, even if the bayonet and scabbard, frog etc. were original the spurious marks kill any collector value. You can id spurious marks as they are often imperfectly aligned. have no patina nor dirt in the depressions, and are a modern typeface. I didn't try to figure out whether the bayonet is original because there's no need, but it is may be a repro too, given the fake marks.
     
    adriaspiess and gregsglass like this.
  6. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    Made for re-enactors, possibly? Not all repros are made to be 'fakes' as we all know.
     
  7. springfld.arsenal

    springfld.arsenal Store: http://www.springfieldarsenal.net/

    "Not all repros are made to be 'fakes' as we all know."

    Legitimate reproductions normally don't come with marks that appear to be intended to deceive. For example there are countless models of nicely-made shootable replica "antique" guns on the market, many made in Italy. These come with markings giving the current maker and usually the US outlet company. one or both depending, but enough to make it very clear exactly who made it and where.

    A reproduction with marks resembling "original" markings or obviously misrepresenting the item, "intended to deceive" change the reproduction item into a fake, IMHO.
     
  8. adriaspiess

    adriaspiess New Member

    Thanks for all the replies. Whether an original piece or not, it certainly is interesting. There is a significant amount of age and patina to the piece so I certainly don't think it is a modern reproduction. Regardless, I purchase items for resale and I just don't want to misrepresent the item to potential collectors/buyers. My suspicion is that it is either an original piece or reproduction piece that was stamped by 76th Pennsylvania Regiment reenactors who likely enjoy the colorful dress of the Zouaves during the Civil War. I will say I learned a great deal about the volunteer Zouaves that I had no idea existed during the Civil War.
     
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