American "Brown Bess" style bayonet

Dateca. 1776-1780

MediumIron & steel

DimensionsSocket: 3 3/8" Blade: 15 3/8" x 1 1/4" Overall: 19 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2003-115

Label TextSince the supply of new British bayonets was cut off by the outbreak of the Revolution, the Patriots were forced into manufacturing them locally. With many British firearms already in rebellious hands, the corresponding bayonet style was the clear choice for a prototype.

However, many of the bayonet-deficient arms the Americans had were not British "Brown Bess" muskets. As most had a smaller bore than the standard army musket, the majority of these British-styled bayonets were scaled down versions.

This American "Brown Bess" bayonet knock-off is of a type which may have been an official pattern produced for the Patriot forces. While it only bears an engraved "No 3" weapon number, numerous identical bayonets are known bearing the large "US" property mark of the Continental Army stamped into the blade's wide face.
InscribedTop of socket engraved "No 3" near the reinforcing ring.
ProvenancePruchased via eBay, September 30, 2003.