use of enfield bayonets

[David Fox]

Re: use of enfield bayonets

Were not some Massachusetts men also issued Enfields and British leather captured aboard a blockade runner?

[robwall1861]

Re: use of enfield bayonets

My Great Great Grandfather served in the 60th Mass for 90 days in 1864....would any of you happen to have records of what type of weapon (and possibly uniform items) that unit was issued?

Thanks,

[Toney]

Re: use of enfield bayonets

This was given to me by a friend. It is out of a book with all the state information given to the Mass house and senate kind of like the state of the state report. There were some English contractors listed by he would not share that information. I though the listing of russet English was very interesting.
This was given to me as an image but I was able to post it that way so I retyped it.

Report of Master of Ordnance for the state of Massachusetts, January 1, 1863
Cartridge Boxes, English, black, 1
Cartridge boxes , alt’d, English, black 519
Cart’ge Box Belts, English, black 3
Cart’ge box belts, alt’d, English, Black 388
Bayonet Scabbards, Enfield, 4,589
Bayonet Scabbards, alt’d, English, 5,903
Bayonet Scabbards, English, 180
Cap or Loading Pouches, English, black 392
Waist Belt with Hooks, English, black 399
Gun Slings, English, black 1,277
Bayonet Scabbard Frogs, English, black 3,257
Cartridge Boxes, English, russet, 2,000
Cartridge Box Belts, English, russet, 2,000
Cap or Loading Pouches, English, russet 1,996
Waist Belt with Hooks, English, russet 1,999
Bayonet Scabbard Frogs, English, russet 1,990
Gun Slings, English, black 2,001

Joe Toney

[Bob 125th NYSVI]

Re: use of enfield bayonets

I know that the 125th NY was issued Enfields (both before and after their capture at Harpers Ferry in 1862) with Enfield bayonets but with regular accoutrements not English made accoutrements. To the best of my knowledge NYS didn't (Mass did as noted above but I don't know how many) not purchase any English accoutrements . Also to the best of my knowledge the Federal government didn't purchase and issue English accoutrements. Even if you got them the first time out, they probably weren't getting replaced.

Considering that the government was cranking out Springfiled bayonets as fast as they were cranking out the rifle themselves why would an ordnance unit issue an Enfield bayonet with Springfield. Sorely if they had a shortage it was the way around, a shortage of Enfield bayonets not Springfield's.

And before anybody pounces I am well aware that the 125th used a mix of Springfields and Enfields throughout the war despite their first Colonel George Willard (RA) wanting them to be issued .69s.