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 was a game changer in terms of land warfare, greatly devaluing the melee weapons still in use and rendering the then-dominant "pike and shot" formations of mixed spears and muskets obsolete, setting the firearm on its path to being the de-facto standard infantry armament worldwide. Measuring 19 3/4 inches overall, the 13 5/8 inch blade has a triangular cross-section, with gold accented wire etching on a niter blue field adorning the lower two-thirds, bearing scroll and martial motifs. The short cross guard is also gold washed, with a smooth ebony grip with muzzle swell and a brass pommel cap. With a brown leather sheath.

Fine. The very fine blade shows 80% strong nitre blue and gold finish, with a mixed gray on the upper third and scattered spotting. The grip is very good, with cracks and some chips around the pommel. The sheath is good, with scuffs, cracks, and some loose stitching.