**First Time At Auction**

Western Europe, France or Germany, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. A beautiful steel, brass, bovine bone, and nickel plug-style bayonet knife. The lengthy blade is carbon steel, with a slight midrib down the center. The ricasso is adorned with a linear brass inlay and the tang is covered with a fine grip consisting of stacked rings of brass, steel, and bone as well as a hemispherical pommel with a nickel cap. This type of knife could be inserted into the end musket, using the muzzle as a makeshift socket to convert the gun into a spear for close range defense. However, the knife had to be removed before loading and firing, which could be cumbersome and dangerous. Failure to remove the knife before firing could cause the weapon to explode. Eventually fixed or hinged bayonets were added to the end of guns which replaced the need for these knives. Size: 13.5" L x 0.8" W (34.3 cm x 2 cm)

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado, USA collection; ex-M. Komor Gallery, New York City, New York, USA circa 1965

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167230

Nickel pommel is slightly loose. Dark patina and toning to the blade. Nicks and chips to the handle and bone inlays. Intact, great condition.