M1880 Hunting Knife

The M1880 Hunting Knife was first issued with the Model 1880 Rod-Bayonet Rifle.  It is presumed that it was to be an all-purpose camp knife, designed particularly for the Army in the west.  The blade is 8 1/2 in. long with a single edge.  The hilt is brass.  The scabbard has a brass plate on the outside of the throat and an iron plate on the inside.

We have 2 specimens of this knife.  The first is stamped on the hilt "U.S." "SPRINGFIELD" in 2 lines on one side, and "1336" on the other side.  The scabbard has a leather loop 3 in. long.  The first models had a shorter 2 1/2 in. loop.  The back of the belt loop is stamped "J.T.", presumably an inspector's initials.  The back of the scabbard is stamped "H" "18 INF" "42" in 3 lines. 

The other specimen is stamped on the hilt "U.S." "SPRINGFIELD" in 2 lines on one side and "2693" on the other side.  The scabbard is the later type with a brass belt hook.  The back of the hook is stamped "RIA".  The back of the scabbard has, what appears to be painted on, 2 unreadable characters and "45".