Bayonet
Object number94.51.568
Datec.1840
MediumMetal
Credit LineTransfer from Carnegie Museum of Natural History
DescriptionSocket bayonet for a U.S. military musket, model unknown. Tapering triangular-section blade, mounted by means of a short elbow to a tapered hollow tube-like socket; the socket has a t-shaped cut-out channel, opening to the base ring, by which the bayonet could be fitted to a lug at the muzzle-end of a musket, being locked into position by giving the socket a quarter-turn.Dimensions1.125 x 1 x 19.25 in. (2.9 x 2.5 x 48.9 cm)Marksstamped on blade: "U / US"; at elbow: "R / 70"
Historical NotesThough the exact model of gun for which this bayonet was made is unclear, it appears to fit a pre-Civil War model such as the Harper's Ferry musket.Label TextIn a few seconds, an infantryman could transform his rifle musket into a deadly weapon for hand-to-hand combat by affixing a triangular bayonet.
Related institution
United States Army
Subjects
Terms
On View
On viewCollections
c. 1757
