Krag bowie bayonet

[King carp]

I got lucky lately and picked up a Krag bowie bayonet. It is not in great condition but is an original. Is there anything i can do to improve its appearance without ruining any collector value? Or is it best just to leave it as found? I will try to find a belt hook for the scabbard.

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[butlersrangers]

Congratulations 'King Carp' ..... now that's a serious piece of cutlery!

FWIW - I'd leave it as is.

[Ned Butts]

Nice score!! The scabbard is a plus even without the hook. You can probably pick up a crappy standard scabbard and use the belt hook, riveting it on could be a problem.
I agree with leaving it as is.

[Culpeper]

You may as well keep the scabbard in its condition. No amount of tinkering is going to increase its value and any amount could very well detract from it.

Just one guy's opinion.

[King carp]

Thank you for the advice. I figured it would be best left as found. I will give it a light cleaning and oil it up. One thing that surprised me was how thin the blade is. I guess that was done to keep the weight down? Here it is next to a standard Krag bayonet. It only weighs about an ounce more than the standard bayonet. Thanks again and stay safe. I am now ready to repel porch pirates! LOL.

[Ned Butts]

The Bowie was intended to be a "multipurpose" tool, the thin blade was likely a big factor in its failure as such. Mine has the very tip broken off, a fairly common result of use as an entrenching tool.

[Culpeper]

I am now ready to repel porch pirates! LOL.

Porch Pirates! Arrrrrrgh I hates them. Aye but you need something with more heft, Matey.

[King carp]

If they see that they will have sheperds pie in their knickers! Nice bolo.

[Whig]

I have never even considered buying one of these because of the prices I have seen. Great addition to your Krag collection! I agree also to keep it oiled and that's that. I like reconditioning dry leather which preserves well, if needed.

That kitchen sink and cabinet in the picture above looks to be about as old as your Krag! Don't see your feet in the picture though!

[Culpeper]

King Carp

Here is Don Hartman speaking about the Krag Bayonets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7QavlkoCow