Large 17th Century Plug Bayonet

A 17th century British plug bayonet, originally out of the Hampton Court collection. It comes housed in its original scabbard with a large well marked blade and winged figures, representing Erotes from Greek Mythology, decorating the guard. These figures are less common than the Corinthian style decorations on other blades. They feature a full length male grotesque with a bow under his left arm and a quiver slung beneath the wings.

The blazing star stamp was used by John Hathaway from 1689. The Kings Head stamp most likely means it was originally retailed by John and Thomas Hawgood who traded between 1690-97

Plug bayonets were popularised during the reign of King James II as a military weapon and continued to be used through the reign of King William, before gradually being replaced with the socket bayonet during the reign of Queen Anne. Drill manuals from 1686 includes directions for how to use the bayonet. Instructing that it must be "screwed into the muzzle ... so the flat side may be towards you when recovered"