RARE AMES “RICE PATENT” MODEL 1874 BAYONET.

There are very few of these bayonets known and this is likely, according to Mr. Flayderman, the only one known that is marked by the maker “AMES MFG & CO / CHICOPEE, MASS” which is acid etched on the ricasso. This massive saw backed Bowie-bayonet is quite an imposing weapon measuring 16-12″ overall with a blade just over 11″ and 2-3/4″ wide. The massive bolster is over 3/4″ wide where it enters the feathered brass hilt. This exact bayonet is pictured on p. 108 of Bowie Knives of the Ben Palmer Collection and is also pictured on p. 177 of The Bowie Knife by Norm Flayderman. Norm describes the knife, “Experimental U.S. Model 1874 ‘Sergeant’s’ Intrenching Knife. A unique development combination bayonet, knife, and tool for digging rifle pits; designed by Col. Edmund Rice. Of the handful of known examples this is the only specimen recorded with markings of the maker. ‘Ames MFG. Co./Chicopee/Mass.’ etched in a panel at the base of the 11-inch single edge, clip point, saw-tooth backed blade. Cast brass hilt with scaled grip. Weight almost three pounds. Overall 16-1/2″. The ‘Sergeant’s Model’ was to be distinguished by having the saw-toothed back. A similarly designed knife for ‘Men in the Ranks’ was to be fitted with a thinner blade without the saw-tooth back.” It is interesting to note that Ben Palmer in his book states that he bought this bayonet in the 1950’s from Sotheby’s in London for $50. A few years later still in the 1950’s, he sold this bayonet to Norm Flayderman for $500 and Palmer than notes that Flayderman cataloged another Rice Bayonet (unmarked) in 1990 for $5000. This is no doubt not only among the rarest of all American bayonets but also one of the most unusual that would make a great addition to a knife, bayonet, or Ames collection. PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good overall. Blade is gray with scattered areas of staining and pitting. Maker’s mark is very good as can be seen in photos. Hilt has yellow/mustard patina and is complete and functional with spring and lock. 4-51201 JS11 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2133

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2014

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2133	$19,550.00	RARE AMES “RICE PATENT” MODEL 1874 BAYONET. There are very few of these bayonets known and this is likely, according to Mr. Flayderman, the only one known that is marked by the maker “AMES MFG & CO / CHICOPEE, MASS” which is acid etched on the ricasso. This massive saw backed Bowie-bayonet is quite an imposing weapon measuring 16-12″ overall with a blade just over 11″ and 2-3/4″ wide. The massive bolster is over 3/4″ wide where it enters the feathered brass hilt. This exact bayonet is pictured on p. 108 of Bowie Knives of the Ben Palmer Collection and is also pictured on p. 177 of The Bowie Knife by Norm Flayderman. Norm describes the knife, “Experimental U.S. Model 1874 ‘Sergeant’s’ Intrenching Knife. A unique development combination bayonet, knife, and tool for digging rifle pits; designed by Col. Edmund Rice. Of the handful of known examples this is the only specimen recorded with markings of the maker. ‘Ames MFG. Co./Chicopee/Mass.’ etched in a panel at the base of the 11-inch single edge, clip point, saw-tooth backed blade. Cast brass hilt with scaled grip. Weight almost three pounds. Overall 16-1/2″. The ‘Sergeant’s Model’ was to be distinguished by having the saw-toothed back. A similarly designed knife for ‘Men in the Ranks’ was to be fitted with a thinner blade without the saw-tooth back.” It is interesting to note that Ben Palmer in his book states that he bought this bayonet in the 1950’s from Sotheby’s in London for $50. A few years later still in the 1950’s, he sold this bayonet to Norm Flayderman for $500 and Palmer than notes that Flayderman cataloged another Rice Bayonet (unmarked) in 1990 for $5000. This is no doubt not only among the rarest of all American bayonets but also one of the most unusual that would make a great addition to a knife, bayonet, or Ames collection. PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good overall. Blade is gray with scattered areas of staining and pitting. Maker’s mark is very good as can be seen in photos. Hilt has yellow/mustard patina and is complete and functional with spring and lock. 4-51201 JS11 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2133 Auction: Firearms - Spring 2014 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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RARE AMES “RICE PATENT” MODEL 1874 BAYONET.