In the early 17th Century the matchlock musket was a cumbersome, slow loading weapon and the musketeers required the protection of soldiers carrying long, wooden-shafted pikes to shield them from enemy cavalry and footsoldiers during the lengthy reloading process. As the century progressed, more emphasis began to be placed on the use of the musket as a primary weapon of the common soldier and as a result, the pike was gradually phased out.The obvious disadvantage of the plug bayonet is that once fixed, the gun cannot be fired until the bayonet is removed.
In the late 17th Century experiments were carried out to address this problem and the short- lived "ring bayonet" was born.
I doubt very much that your find has anything to do with a "plug-bayonet". The part of these inserted into the muzzle of the musket was made from wood so as not to damage the inside of the barrel and to ensure a snug fit.
Link: http://arms2armor.com/Bayonets/amplug1.html
I'm not saying it is, and I'm not saying it isn't. But in the Royal Armories in the UK there are several Plug Bayonets, from different ages, and they are all of very solid construction, due to the fact that in a battle situation the common soldier "Just rammed " the bayonet in after firing his rounds. If this is a plug bayonet, then it may be more ceremonial, but it is too thin walled in my opinion. I am still checking my books as I post, but it certainly looks in the right period and when I find anything near I will let you know. One thought was the bottom or top of an ornate "Swagger" stick
Thank you hammered.I think at 1 time they did have wood inside them .The 1 has a crown & the word Imperial on it..
I think you have something there, but the "plugs" in my books are all Bone/wood or solid brass. The best thing would be to send some pics to The Royal Armories, they are really good at this sort of thing, I hope you do and fingers crossed for you
Spring 2012 CaneField Bandits Totals: TEN Half Reales:
1740, 1777, 1784, 1796, 1801, 180?, 1806, 1807, 1808, and 1814
1836 8 Reales
A 17?? One Real
1819 Token/Jeton
Two "Russian Blue" Trade Beads
Henry Clay Campaign Button FIVE Early New Orleans Seated Coins:
1838-O Dime (no stars), Three 1839-O Half Dimes, an 1840-O Dime, and an 1842-O Half Dime
1892 Barber Dime
1918 Walking Liberty Half
1866 and 18?? Shield Nickels, and some GawGag V's and Beefaloes. Military Relics: Possible Spanish Colonial Era Cap Badge
FOUR War of 1812 Artillery Buttons
1820s Pewter Militia "U.S." Button
CW Eagle Artillery Cuff Button
CW Eagle Infantry Officer's Coat Button
3-Ringers, Enfields, Musketballs, and Shell Fragments
Any relics, coins, or other items appearing in my finds posts were found on PRIVATE PROPERTY with total consent and permission from the owners of said property.
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Originally Posted by RELICDUDE07
