Picked up this bayonet the other day from and old cottage/barn clean out.  It appears to have been together forever and it took a day of kroil to get the screw out of the grips however they are still really stuck to the handle. Tried prying them gently with no luck so far as I don’t want to break them.  The grips are dark brown with black specks and I cannot make out a square which is more common. However, I’ve seen a few 42 WTs like this, even here on the forum. I personally believe they are original.  The WT also faces towards the blade on the guard which is unusual but I have seen it before on the 42 blades.  Other than a little browning on the pommel and some old black paint the bayonet is in good shape. Comments are welcome. Regards 

This base was in Maine and closed in 1994.

NIce, thanks!

They were connected with modern wax.  The fellow I got them from had lots of Civil War buttons, insignia etc. adhered with wax to hanging wooden cases.  So I removed them from the cases and took the wax off them.  This one was freestanding in the case but had this plate attached probably to help it stand up right.  The only problem is that the wax leaves a greasy stain of sorts on the metal.   I also wonder where the Smith marked oval plate came from.  It looks Civil War period with a nice marking.  

Really nice pistol and flag. Wish I had friends like you have. If you are thinking of selling look me up.

How were the two pieces connected?  Totally "odd", but If whatever was holding them together appeared to be period (e.g., not Crazy Glue)  I would have considered leaving them connected. 

That is odd.  Glad you took it off. 

Ignore googled it. Thanks again  

European?

That’s great thanks