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ca. 1870 HOFFMAN SWIVEL BAYONET SCABBARD FROGS:
I found a small quantity of these relatively scarce
Hoffman Patent Swivel Bayonet Scabbard Frogs that were
adopted by the Ordnance Board on June 10, 1870, and were
issued in conjunction with the 1871 Trial Rifles.
Legibly marked “WATERVLIET ARSENAL” on the socket that
held the metal scabbard tube, these frogs were left over
when the metal scabbards were salvaged to be fitted with
one of the later patterns of leather frogs. That these
survived the passage of time in surplus is surprising,
and is a fortunate discovery for those wishing to
restore a Hoffman pattern scabbard for their
collection.
The leather frog and swivel assembly is
intact and undamaged, with all of the stitching intact
and a brass swivel that turns smoothly without being
loose. The leather surface of the frogs is very good
with no significant crazing or flaking, with an overall
smooth, bright finish, and only minor flexing where the
leather would normally bend.
As stated above, I have a small quantity of these and I
will select the best of the remaining stock for you.
These would be a good item not only to restore a
scabbard for your collection, but could also be used by
early Indian War period reenactors.
$75
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