Bayonet
I'd have to say that they were probably an "Overstock" or spare parts that were never issued. Probably sat in an arms room or the manufacturers place for 50 yrars or so and were then sold for scrap. It happens. Lots of Civil war guns were sold for scrap and were bought up by Frances Bannerman in the 1890's. A guy I know bought a Springfield 1861 for $2.80 in 1940 (he's around 70 now) and the gun is now worth around $2,500.00. Pretty good investment for $2.80 I'd say.
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