ring-handle 0.5 inch in diameter; it is carried, with the cone-key, in
the pocket in front of the musket cartridge-box.

257. BAYONET SCABBARD--black bridle leather--length, 19.3 inches.
Frog--buff leather--sewed to a socket of black leather, which is
fastened to the top of the scabbard; the loop of the frog to be made
wide enough to slide on the waist-belt.

MARKING SMALL ARMS.

258. It is directed that hereafter all small arms, when passed by the
Inspector, be stamped in the following manner:

MUSKETS, CARBINES, AND PISTOLS.

On the top of the barrel, near the breech, with an anchor; and, on the
lock-plate, the letter P over the initials of the Inspector, thus:
P./A.B.

REVOLVERS.

On the top of the barrel, near the cylinder, with an anchor; and, on
the face of the cylinder, the letter P over the initials of the
Inspector, as above.

CUTLASSES.

On the blade, immediately below the guard, with an anchor; and the
letter P over the initials of the Inspector, as above.

All arms in store or returned from ships will be stamped with the
anchor before being issued.

The Bureau will furnish to each Inspector two sizes of stamps.
MUSKETS, CARBINES, and CUTLASSES are to be marked with the larger,
.15-in., and PISTOLS and REVOLVERS with the smaller, 0.1-in., size of
stamps.

PRESERVATION OF SMALL ARMS.

259. The Captain will take care that the Small Arms are carefully
cleaned and wiped dry after every exercise or use of them, before they
are put away.

260. He will cause them to be frequently examined at other times, to
prevent their being clogged with oil or lacquer, and to be sure that
they are always ready for use.

He will strictly prohibit their being marked or otherwise defaced.

261. It is directed that the men who use them be taught to clean them
properly, and to remedy any slight defects or obstructions to their
use.

Chests not lined preserve them best, if there be no proper armory.

DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING ARMS.

262. In taking apart and cleaning guns, there are required a
screw-driver, wiper, wire-tumbler punch, and a spring vice. No other
implements should be used in taking arms apart, or in setting them up.

263. DISMOUNTING AND CLEANING.--The rifle-musket should be dismounted
in the following order, viz.:

1st. Unfix the bayonet. 2d. Insert the tompion. 3d. Draw the ramrod.
4th. Turn out the tang-screw. 5th. Take off the lock; to do this, put
the hammer at half-cock, and parti