Original Item. Only one set available. This is most interesting, these short muskets come along from time to time, but this very long brass-hilted sword bayonet has always been like Hen’s teeth. Both lock and barrel retain their original Arsenal stamps, as do all of the steel and brass fittings. Overall this short musket is in a very very good display condition. All steel butt plate with brass trigger guard, side plate and the center band and nose band all polished. No other markings on front of lock, the 30″ barrel of musket bore with bayonet stand to the right hand side, which is marked 64. Overall length is 45 inches.
These Short Muskets were intended for Artillery units, which preferred shorter muskets as they tended to be of less interference when manning a Cannon. However this really put Artillerymen at a great disadvantage with the loss of reach when combating Enemy Cavalry hand to hand. As a result “long” bayonets were introduced to extend the soldier’s reach. The “Sword Bayonets” were virtual full sidearms in themselves and in this instance measured 32″ overall with extending blade of 27″. Complete with steel cross guard and ribbed brass hilt. A most impressive bayonet and very rare to find at all. Our example is proof marked and DATED 1867 just before Belgium and the rest of Europe moved over to Breach Loaders.
An extremely rare Belgian Artillery Short Musket complete with its very long Sword bayonet, ready to display.