Homemade Bayonet c.1812-1814

Description

Sponsors

This item is a part of the 1812 History digitization project. This project was made possible with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Canadian Culture Online Strategy.

Media Type

Object

Description

A homemade bayonet that was designed to fit on the muzzle of a rifle or musket. It is of the styling favored most by the militia units during the War of 1812. Its unique length and lack of a rear reinforcing ring confirms this weapon was not manufactured by an English or American government gunsmith. The bayonet also lacks the necessary markings such as a crown and unit number or the initials US which along with an arrow pointing up, prove it to be government property.

It does have a few unique features which include a bridge over the opening of the locking slot and the blade has been fullered for the last seven inches towards the point. This item reveals the lengths to which the militia would go to be properly equipped for war. This bayonet has a 35 cm long x 2.5cm wide blade and a socket that is 6.5cm long.

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