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D2012-CMD. Bayonet
Early Land Pattern "shield" bayonet
D2012-CMD. Bayonet

Early Land Pattern "shield" bayonet

Dateca. 1720-1730
OriginEngland, Birmingham (probably)
MediumIron & steel
DimensionsSocket: 4" Blade: 16 13/16" x 1 5/16" Overall: 21 11/16"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1982-23
Label TextBy the end of the first quarter of the 18th century, a standard form of British socket bayonet had evolved, and was officially adopted by the Board of Ordnance in 1727. While this example bears no Ordnance markings, it is of standard "Pattern 1727" form and exhibits many of the earliest traits.

Its long, angular shank ends with a prominent guard meant to support the bayonet in the scabbard, and the wide face of the blade is markedly concave. At the other end, the shank flattens out and joins the very front of the socket with a rounded "shield" shaped apron. By 1740, most of these features were dispensed with, and a sturdier but less graceful pattern was adopted by the British armed forces.Inscription(s)Socket deeply engraved "2" over "2" over "63."Mark(s)Blade stamped with a wavy-bladed dagger.