Artifact A-003A and Artifact A-003B

Artifact A-003A

Cavalry US Springfield Trapdoor Socket Bayonet,

Artifact A-003B

Cavalry U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Socket Bayonet

Discover American military history through two remarkable artifacts: Item 1A and Item 1B. Item 1A features a US Springfield Trapdoor .45-70 socket bayonet, complete with scabbard and frog, measuring 20 ¾ inches long. Despite its tarnished finish and scattered rust spots, this piece retains its imposing presence, with the year "1898" etched into the leather and a rotating brass belt hanger marked "U.S." and "C.L." on the back. Item 1B, a U.S. Marked Frontier Wars socket bayonet .45-70, includes its scabbard and frog, marked "NGP #E39" for the Pennsylvania National Guard, showcasing the diversity and utility of American military arms.

Notes: These bayonets, designed to fit rifles' muzzle ends, were manufactured by the Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. Wealthier states purchased items with state designations like Mass, RIM, and NGP, while poorer states bought standard U.S.-marked items from the federal government. Used in the American Western frontier, they were associated with .45-70 Gov't "Trapdoor Springfield" rifles and carbines used by U.S. Army infantry and cavalry from 1873 through the Spanish-American War of 1898.

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