Ethan,
I recently reviewed my own equipment and asked myself that same question. I believe the time period you wish to represent will help answer your question. In my case, it was my desire to represent the USSS during the battle of Gettysburg that made me go with the seven rivet scabbard. I based my decision on the fact that the USSS hated the bayonet and were known to throw them away. This became a problem for old Hiram when the USSS received a negative inspection, (in part for not having bayonets), in December 1862. As a result, the USSS was reissued bayonets again by mid 1863. I decided to go with the seven rivet bayonet scabbard due to that scabbard made it's appearence sometime after 2/25/1863. Right or wrong, that was my reasoning on the matter. I hope this helps and admire your concern for trying to be authentic.
Best Regards, Chip
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