United States. A Revolutionary War Era Plug Bayonet, c. 1790

A plug bayonet featuring a thick, double edged blade fitted into a wooden hilt with an iron crossguard. The blade measures 90 mm in length, the overall bayonet measures 330 mm in length and 78 mm in width across the iron crossguard in the style of upturned quillion sword catchers. The blade features a few notches on each side and the tip has been damaged. A scarce bayonet with unique history, which remains in better than very fine condition. 

The blade is sheathed by a leather scabbard, stitched along one side, measures 182 mm (w) x 38 mm (h), light wear, very fine. 

Footnote: Plug bayonets were among the earliest attempts to turn firearms into melee weapons, where the bayonet was fitted directly into the barrel of the musket. This allowed light infantry to be converted to heavy infantry and hold off cavalry charges. The bayonet had a round handle that slid directly into the musket barrel. This naturally prevented the gun from being fired. They were largely replaced by socket bayonets in formal military units. The form of this item suggests it was intended for close combat, either mounted on a musket or carried independently to use as a thrusting weapon.