This bayonet is for the 1841 Mississippi Rifle, originally not equipped to accept a bayonet. In 1855 two types of bayonets were adopted - the first, the Type I Snell Pattern - was complex and the rifle barrel had to be modified; the second, the Type II used a more conventional slide-on-stud attachment method. This example is the M1841 Type II yatagan sword bayonet. About 500 of these were made by Ames and so marked; this one is unmarked (save the inspector's letters M and W) and it is believed that most of these - if not all - were produced at the Harper's Ferry Arsenal.
These bayonets saw extensive use in the Civil War.
Overall length is ~27-1/8"; blade length is ~22-1/4"; wide single fullers both sides.
Scabbards were of black leather body with brass throat and drag.

Please Note: These are currently being reproduced and offered by various distributors. Beware of these being offered as originals by secondary sources.