"Dutch" flat-bladed bayonet
Dateca.1740-1760
OriginEurope, Low Countries
MediumIron & steel
DimensionsSocket: 2 7/8" Blade: 11 7/8" x 1 3/16" Overall: 15 7/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2004-6
DescriptionClassic, unaltered form of the "Dutch" flat-bladed bayonet of the middle part of the 18th century with a two-step mortise and a hexagonal section blade.Label TextThe British Board of Ordnance had been purchasing arms from the Low Countries at least since the reign of Henry VIII. Tens of thousands of so-called "Dutch" muskets & bayonets had arrived at the Tower of London between 1706 and 1759, where they were put into store.
Compared to a British "Brown Bess" bayonet, these Dutch flat-bladed bayonets don't even come close to measuring up. They are much shorter, much lighter in construction, and weaker in design.
Since these arms were clearly second-rate, many of them were sent to North America to satisfy the demands of the colonial governments who needed arms to fight the French & Indian War. Documents in the Public Record Office in London show that Virginia received 2000 Dutch muskets with their flat-bladed bayonets in 1754, while North Carolina received 1000 sets at the same time.
InscribedRear of the socket engraved with a very large "45" (a weapon number).
MarkingsSmall sickle shaped mark on the front of the shank where it joins the socket.
Exhibition(s)
1730-1750
ca. 1710-1730
ca. 1710-1730
ca.1727-1730
ca.1760-1780
ca.1755-1760
ca. 1720-1740
ca. 1720-1740
ca. 1730-1740
1750-1780
c.1778-1783