4\" Brown Bess Bayonet with India Spring Catch. BAYO 612. Bayonet

The standard socket bayonet of the eighteenth century is the triangular bladed type, known by the name of its firearm as the Brown Bess, which was the premier British Army bayonet up to and indeed after 1842. Many were sent out to India after becoming obsolete for the British Army. This style of British bayonet is the subject of much speculation as to its designation and if it was ever officially issued. New research by David Harding on the history of the East India Company (EIC) has revealed that in the period 1771-72 the Board of Ordnance made a trial issue of some 600 bayonets with 'Springs' for muskets of Long Land Pattern. But they were never officially adopted. Blade length; 375mm, overall length; 490mm and 4” socket length. In good overall condition with age related staining. See pages 286 & 336 of Watts & White for reference. The price includes UK delivery. BAYO 612.