Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very interesting bayonet, of a type that we have not had before! This comes from the European Continent, most likely France, and is a side mounted bayonet for a double barreled shotgun! We have seen these referred to as “Corsican Voltigeur” bayonets, and they were introduced around 1850. We have seen various different spring configurations, and they appear to be mostly hand made for specific guns. We also have heard that these could be used for hunting, particularly for wild boar, where they would be mounted to a side by side double rifle. Definitely some great research potential here!
The bayonet is definitely well patinated, and we can definitely see it having been under the ground for a time, later dug up and cleaned off. It has a socket for side by side barrels, and there is a spring catch on the bottom linked to a small tab that would lock into the barrel assembly. The blade is only sharpened on the last 2/3 of the length, most likely because the socket would lock in a few inches down the barrels.
A wonderful example ready for further research and display!
Specifications:
Blade Edge Length: 8 1/2″
Blade Length: 13 3/8″
Blade Style: Double Edged Spear
Socket Length: 1 7/8″
Overall length: 14 3/4“