M-1763 bayonet with New Hampshire Battalion markings
Date1763-1768
OriginEurope, France
MediumIron/steel
DimensionsOL: 17 7/8"; Blade 13 3/4" x 1 3/32"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2007-37
DescriptionFrench Model 1763 musket bayonetLabel TextThe marking "No. 274" on the socket of this French bayonet indicates it is one of the 2000 or so muskets & bayonets allocated to New Hampshire's Continental forces in March 1777. As New Hampshire had three battalions, there would have been three bayonets numbered 274, and thus one can’t assign a particular battalion to this bayonet.Furthermore, the punches used to strike these marks on the bayonets are also used on the breeches of their companion muskets, and are thus linkable.
The base of the blade is marked with a cartouche containing what appears to be an "I," while the front of the shank is marked with an incuse "M," possibly indicating manufacture at the Royal Arsenal at Mauberge.Inscription(s)Socked punched "No. 274."Mark(s)The base of the blade is marked with a cartouche containing what appears to be an "I," while the front of the shank is marked with an incuse "M," possibly indicating manufacture at the Royal Arsenal at Mauberge.
ca.1776-1780
