Though unmarked, this bayonet blade is an exact match with a specimen featured in the famous Ben Palmer Bowie knife collection bearing the maker-mark “T.A. Potts/ New Orleans/ 1840”. While the date of manufacture is open to conjecture, it is probable that these bayonets were not government issue but originated with state or militia troops. Although from the Civil War era, its attachment rings are too small to fit the standard .58 caliber Civil War rifle, nor does it come with any locking device. The intended use of this blade is a matter of some speculation, as described on page 66 of Abels' "Classic Bowie Knives" that it was likely intended as a combat knife that could also double as a pike head or bayonet, while Albaugh suggests on page 165 of "Confederate Edged Weapons" that the rings integral to the guard and pommel are too small for a rifle barrel or pike staff. These knives were believed to have been sold by Potts, a military outfitter in New Orleans, and similar examples are known to have been made by Rees Fitzpatrick of Natchez, Mississippi. The weapon is composed of a large bowie knife with a long clip point blade, fitted with a fine flat-sided wood grip and brass furniture. The guard and pommel are both thick brass. The front ring has a 1 - 1/8" exterior and 13/16" interior diameter, and the rear ring has a 1 - 3/8 inch exterior and a 13/16" inch interior. This specimen exhibits a pleasing patina throughout, with the gray hue on the blade scattered with areas of pitting and the pleasing mustard shade on the hilt. Grip exhibits handling wear with nice age. CONDITION: Good. Blade Length: 12" Overall Length: 17"