What is this weapon?

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Here is some informatiom from M. H. Cole's book #3. pages 8,9, and 10. The book is out of print and runs about $100 right now. They are also in the new book "The Best of U.S. Military Knives Bayonets & Machetes by M. H. Cole - edited by Michael W. Silvey pages 13, 14, and 15. This book combines the Cole's books and runs $45.

JimF



From M.H. Cole's book #3 page 8:

Model 1880 Hunting Knife
In 1881 Springfield Armory made 1002 knives with the iron guard. All the later knives had a brass guard. Blade 8 1/2", 13 9/16, O.A. Oak turned handle. The knife shown is stamped with the serial no. 8 and the reverse is stamped "U.S."/"Springfield."

From M.H. Cole's book #3 page 9:

Model 1880 Hunting Knife
A very sturdy and handsome knife made at Springfield Armory, with a 2" wide blade 8 1/2" long. The handle is turned Maple giving it a length of 13 9/16" overall. The brass guard is stamped with serial No. "1229" and "U.S./Springfield" About 1002 knives , those made in 1881 had an Iron guard. The later one's had the Brass guard.

All scabbards were made of black leather and reinforced at the throat with a strip of brass. The first scabbards had a leather belt loop, which proved to be unpopular. After a series of complaints, Watervliet and Rock Island Arsenals modified them by cutting off the belt loop and adding a heavy brass hook.

From M.H. Cole's book #3 page 10:

Modle 1890 Intrenching Knife
In 1893 Springfield Armory made 501 knives of this pattern after the change in designation from Hunting Knife to Intrenching Knife. The knives were the same as the M. 1880 but were marked on the guard "Springfield/Armory" and "U.S./1892".
A total of 11,503 knives were made 1881-1893

Johnny Peppers photo's show an example with the type 3 scabbard with the shorter hook. The type 4 scabbard had a bit longer hook, and different rivits.
Great looking knife Mr. Peppers.