E1437

Hilt of bayonet Long Caption: Bayonet. The Baker rifle was introduced in 1800 and an improved version appeared the following year. It is to this improved version that this bayonet belongs. The rifle remained in service until the middle 1830s when the Brunswick Rifle replaced it. It is not clear why this bayonet should have so large a langet when that piece was too close to the blade to afford much protection. It is not unlike the upturned counter guard found on a number of swords, especially French and American. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: WPN1341 Artist: Gill Date: 1801 Medium: brass; steel; leather Size: 603 mm x 32 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.