M1863 Zouave Bayonet

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	Weapon: M1863 Zouave Bayonet Type: Sword Bayonet Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1863 Overall Length (mm): 550.0 Overall Length (in): 21.65 Weight (kg): 0.90 Weight (pounds): 1.98

The M1863 Zouave Bayonet was designed for use with the Remington M1863 "Zouave" Rifle, a percussion rifle-muskets used during the American Civil War. This bayonet featured a Yataghan-style blade measuring approximately 20.5 inches (about 520 mm), with a sweeping curve that gave it both cutting power and aesthetic appeal. The bayonet had a brass hilt, a steel crossguard with a muzzle ring, and was typically housed in a leather scabbard with brass fittings.

Although designated for the U.S. Army, relatively few M1863 rifles and bayonets were issued in combat during the Civil War due to their limited production-approximately 12,500 rifles were made, and bayonet production closely mirrored these figures. The bayonet was produced by the Remington Arms Company under contract, with quality construction reflecting the advanced metallurgy and craftsmanship of the period. While not widely used in the war, it became symbolic of the elite Zouave units modeled after French colonial troops.

The M1863 Zouave Bayonet gained notoriety primarily through its association with one of the most visually striking infantry units of the American Civil War. Its unique blade shape and ornate fittings have made it a prized item among collectors and Civil War enthusiasts. Despite its limited combat use, it remains an enduring artifact of mid-19th-century American military history and showcases the transitional period between traditional long-blade bayonets and more modern, utilitarian designs.