Scarce Imperial Russian socket bayonet for jaeger percussion rifle M.1856, infantry percussion rifle M.1858 and Krnka M.1856/69 breech loading rifle. The bayonet may fit some other early Imperial Russian breech loading rifles converted from percussion rifles (Baranov M.1869, Krnka M.1855/66). Large number, "20" is stamped on the base of the blade, along with smaller, "2953". The socket arm shows the Tula arsenal "Hammer" and Russian "P" (in a circle). There are some other fading and difficult to recognize small markings on the bayonet. Overall length is 21.25 inch. Blade length is 18.25 inch. CONDITION: Very good+. The bayonet is in "as found", uncleaned, unrestored condition. The bayonet shows some surface rust with metal roughness/pitting. The locking ring works fine. (Ref.: "Bayonets of the World" by By Alexander N. Kulinsky, pp. 298-299, #243)
