Condition Grade: Very Good (Fine) overall, representing a highly cohesive, exceptionally rare, and historically significant grouping of scarce frontier-era militaria.

Condition Assessment: The blades exhibit expected age patina along with authentic, multi-directional field grinding and sharpening marks from active soldier use, though the turned oak handles remain structurally sound and free of major splits.

Dimensions: Each knife features a robust 8.5-inch steel spear-point blade with an overall tool length of approximately 13.5 inches.

Markings and Features: This spectacular grouping includes a standard mid-production brass variant (Serial #4923), two early brass-guard rollout variants (Serial #1392 and #1604), and an exceptionally rare, first-production 1881 experimental iron-hilt variant (Serial #751).Completeness: The set is remarkably complete, with all four knives accompanied by their original leather scabbards displaying varying brass belt attachment loops and hooks.

Historical Background: Issued during the height of the Western Indian Wars, this lot features a monumental provenance piece: the Watervliet Arsenal scabbard for knife #1392 is deeply stamped to Company C of the 16th U.S. Infantry Regiment, directly tying the set to active 1880s frontier operations and border patrols across Texas and the American Southwest.