Did I find a dang civil war bayonet?!?

[MrMarsHill]

Today was my birthday. 34 years old. My mom and I got together and went for a creek walk through a local Civil War battlefield. We have, over the years, found a 12lb cannonball, minie balls, buttons and hat insignia etc and all I wanted for my bday was a creek walk with my family in one of my favorite spots. Well, we started inside the confederate line and worked our way toward the center of the battlefield. This was found on the confederate side of the battle. The object is heavy. Heavy for its size. It is also well made as it has rusted horribly, but is strong as can be. When looking at the pointy end, ill just call it the "blade", I can see that even though it has flaked off in layers over the years and lost lots of metal, the "blade" had 3 or 4 distinct sides. I didn't capture that in the pics, you'll just have to take my word. The whole thing is just over 18" long and the "blade" is 15" long. If this is a bayonet from the Civil War, my birthday has been made, lol! What a find. If it is, id also say part of the socket atleast is broken off. Most pics I see have slightly longer socket area. It was a heart pounder either way when hunting a CW battlefield! Anybody have any opinions? I know it sure looks like a bayonet, haha! What else could it be? Thats a legitimate question... any idea what else it could be? I'm just looking to show my find and see if you guys think it is what I think it is, haha. Thanks for looking! Happy hunting everybody! All replies are welcome!
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[Digger RJ]

Nice!!!! Congrats!!!! Happy BDay!!!!

 

[cheffer]

Happy birthday, that makes a nice gift!

 

[MrMarsHill]

Thanks guys! So I take it ya'll think this is a bayonet as well? Obviously you must. Still looking for ID, but just showing off here haha. Thanks for the well wishes! It was a killer day any day I'm hunting, lol. Cant beat it when you find something so POSSIBLY cool lol.

 

[l.cutler]

I just don't know. It looks like what would be the socket, is offset too far from what would be the blade. Maybe it is just bent in some way, but the shape doesn't look right.

 

[ARC]

The shape is a bit off... could be that its bent that way... the socket may have deteriorated...

Need to knock off some of that crud and re-post new close up pics.

 

[pepperj]

Cool recovery for sure-but above my pay grade for doing a yes/no ID. Though the following link might help you out.

USA - 18th and 19th Century Bayonets

 

[Rmeav8r]

Happy Birthday! Spending the day with family is a treasure in it’s self. I hope it’s a bayonet that would be cool.

 

[TimberCrack]

Take a wire brush to that bent part..then you'll find out..

 

[Elvis]

Nice birthday gift for yourself. Congratulations

 

[MrMarsHill]

Here it is cleaned up best I can get it... its very strange as it is a 3-4 sided "blade" that tapers to an obvious point. I would imagine the bayonet was broken and discarded most likely, if this a bayonet. It matches the size of several bayonets ive been researching, but with the rust... I can't be sure what was taken off with the rust etc. The shape, length, weight etc seem correct, although it is in JUNK condition. I can also tell you, if I flick the tip of the item, I can feel it vibrate all the way to the end and it does so for quite some time. Could be a myth my grandpa taught me, but he always said to flick a knife blade and if it "rings" its good steel. This "rings" as well as some of my nicest knives, so it must have been a decent quality steel. Especially after spending who knows how much time on a creekbank. I'm honestly surprised this is even still here at all and not completely disintegrated! Definitely quality, old craftsmanship for sure. Sorry for no closeups... just snapped this pic to show what I found under the rust. I can say, the area at the top of the bend(opposite side of the "point" , is square shaped. Not sire if that helps in any identifying of the object or not. Ill try to get some good lit close ups for you guys today... Thanks for all the replies! It was a wonderful day, bayonet or not!

 

[Steve in PA]

Unfortunately, I would have to say no to bayonet.

 

[smokeythecat]

No bayonet, the bayonets were blade like or triangular blades.

 

[Hunk-a-lead]

Happy Birthday

 

[DCMatt]

Bottle jack or scissor jack crank handle.

 

[islamoradamark]

Happy birthday

 

[tndirtdigger]

Not a bayonet unfortunately but Happy Birthday either way. Dang sure looks alot like the shape of one but it has no socket and the blade is wrong as well.