Attributed to Brescia in what is now Northern Italy, this plug dagger shows attractive detail in all elements while still being equipped with a long and sturdy blade. Predating the rise of the later socket and lug mounted weapons, the plug bayonet was a major step in arms development, allowing a man to switch on the fly from carrying a firearm to carrying a spear or lance, giving him the advantages of both weapons. Originally adopted by hunters and then militaries in the early 17th century, the bayonet had a profound impact on military doctrine and rendered the "pike and shot" formations of mixed spears and muskets obsolete and set the firearm on its path to being the de-facto standard infantry armament worldwide. Though not documented, European hunting was (and in some ways still is) the domain of trained professionals and the wealthy elite. The adornment on this bayonet definitely suggests it belonged to the latter. Measuring 14 1/2 inches overall, the 9 1/4 inch blade is double edged and spear pointed with a hexagonal cross section leading to an oval ricasso, a 4 1/2 inch etched and engraved floral accented panel on each side, one side showing a hunter drawing a bead on a fleeing fox with one of his dogs in hot pursuit, the opposite showing a hunter and a pair of dogs cornering a wolf, and both featuring a light scroll accent near the tip. The hilt is quite elaborate and is nearly entirely constructed from steel that has been extensively carved and pierced through in scroll and floral motifs, floral quillions and pommel screw, an engraved array of arms with a gilt filled background on either side of the guard, and a raised set of four scroll pattern muzzle stops arranged around the grip just below the four inch wide crossguard. The sheath is constructed to match the hilt with a similar carved and pierced scrollwork over much of the surface and each edge featuring a 5 inch long panel of silver inlaid scroll decoration, a recurring motif of "tribal chieftain" designs on both sides, the obverse showing a sculpted soldier in half plate bearing a long knife and a spear, and the reverse decorated with a soldier in a breastplate and surcoat carrying a knightly sword and shield.

Exceptionally fine overall. The finely made, crisp blade shows a mixed gray patina with some areas of darker spotting concentrated towards the tip. The hilt and sheath both show a well-aged gray steel color with an antique patina on the silver accents, solid gold on the guard, and a few light handling marks. A nice, solid fit is evident with the blade and hilt components which have no looseness or play. This is an exceptional European plug bayonet that presents a fine combination of form and function and is an attractive display of European metalcraft that is also sturdy enough to be a hunter's last-ditch protection against an enraged animal. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.