This is a scarce original saber bayonet for the Mississippi rifle model 1841. It has a mottled gray color on the blade that has a pleasing look. Harpers Ferry made bayonet lugs with matching bayonets for some of the Mississippi rifle that they altered in the Harpers Ferry armory between 1855 and 1857. It is reported that 10,286 bayonets of this type were produced. You can see the outline where the brass pin that holds the handle onto the blade is on the back side of the crossguard. At the base of the blade, you can see traces of the "US" markings. The retainer spring is present on the handle with a nice color and is still functional after all of the years in the attic. This is a tough bayonet to find for one of the most popular weapons of the Civil War era.