advice on my best find

[jnns]

Hello all looking for advice on what to do with our find, a few years back my sons and I were lucky enough to be on vacation in Virginia close to a major battlefield. We were staying on private land and had just started the hobby and asked if we could metal detect. The owner gave us the ok but said it had been hunted out for years and sent us on our way. The first day was all trash and the second was more of the same being new we figured we had no idea what we were doing but decided to try one more target being new we did not want to go away empty handed on that last one of the day we bent down and pulled this beauty out of the ground and still fully intact! We couldn't believe it. We have kept it bubble wrapped for these past few years and my sons are older now and want it out so they can see it any ideas on care and maybe the make and who used it? thanks for the help still learning the hobby so anything would be helpful.

 

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[Tpmetal]

Electrolysis and a soak in hot wax is my vote

 

[vpnavy]

Nice find! While waiting for member comments - take a look at USA—18th and 19th Century Bayonets.

 

[devldog]

Great looking bayonette. This looks like one that I have. Mine was not dug, but was given to me by a friend. This one came from a barn on her Dad's property. Look on the flat part of the blade just above the socket. It may be stamped US. This should clean up well. There are some good videos too on Utube on restoration. Best of luck and great save on a piece of CW History.