Late 17th C Plug Bayonet, German or Italian

Featuring brass guard with recurved quillons and oval plate to cover the scabbard throat
(scabbard lacking).  Decoratively turned dark hardwood grip with fluted brass band near
the top instead of a pommel.  Straight tapering single-edged blade; double-edged for the
last 3 ½".   Blade with pitting and dark patina; wood with small imperfections from age and
use.  Overall length 16 1/2".

Though probably originating around 1550, the plug bayonet had a relatively short span of
use, from around 1650-1720 (except in Spain where they were used to the end of the19th
C).  Their rise in popularity largely paralleled the development of standing armies in
Europe, which were realizing the importance of the musketeer, while at the same time not
wanting to wholly abandon the pike.  In this sense the plug bayonet can be considered a
transitional weapon.  However, despite its use as a dagger on its own, it was soon found to
be impractical since it’s use prevented the musket from being fired.  Countless soldiers
also found great difficulties in removing a stuck plug bayonet from the muzzle, rendering
the musket useless as a firearm.  Many were damaged while being removed and as a
result relatively few survive.  For these reasons it was soon superseded by the socket
bayonet, which did not affect the musket’s ability to fire and could much more easily be
removed.