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9th June 2016, 02:01 PM | #1 |
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Could it be a plug bayonet?
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9th June 2016, 02:39 PM | #2 | |
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9th June 2016, 04:55 PM | #3 | |
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As noted by Fernando, an excellent suggestion, and quite feasible if that grip obviously would concur with a gun barrel. The frontier smiths were quite creative and innovative, and often followed known European styles in fashioning their implements and arms etc. The colonies in New Spain were known for their array of often long obsolete forms of weaponry and all manner of armor, which of course was often duplicated in leather. Clearly the center rib on this would offer strength in penetration so also would support the idea of a plug bayonet. I honestly had not thought of that! Well done Blue Lander! Thank you . |
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9th June 2016, 06:27 PM | #4 | |
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Even assuming that we have never seen everything and that rustic smithing may come out with the most bizarre specimens, it is elementary and obliging that plug bayonet grips must be tapered, to enable them to be progressively introduced into barrels, and end with a swell before the guard, to limit introduction. I suppose you have R.D.C. Evans work, and so you may recall this principle in page 7. So i risk to say that this piece in discussion is definitely something else. . |
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9th June 2016, 09:04 PM | #5 |
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Sorry Fernando, I did not know what that emotive meant, not that tech savvy and still rely on words (smile)
Very well made point, and again did not notice the swell at the end of the grip which of course would defeat use as a plug bayonet. My good friend Roger would have boxed my ears for that faux pas. (another smile). |
9th June 2016, 09:06 PM | #6 |
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How about a decorative piece on gates or a railing on a large house or civic building?
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9th June 2016, 09:56 PM | #7 | |
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This does seem to have a certain decorative flair, now to check on perhaps architectural photos of fences and ironwork surrounding estates. First though we should probably determine if this is the case, how would it be attached, there does not seem to be a socket or means for that....would it then have been sawed off ? |
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9th June 2016, 10:17 PM | #8 |
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Five min search on google images found this range of spikes
Nothing very similar but maybe? Regards Ken |
9th June 2016, 11:26 PM | #9 |
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Pretty compelling Ken, nice work!
It seems the blade on this is a bit excessive as most of these examples tend to more resemble fluer de lis and certain heraldic type devices. I am still puzzled by that distinct central ridge on the blade. I suppose it may be possible for this to be a blacksmiths interpretation of a sword. I am always amazed at how industrious these early frontier blacksmiths were. I recall for example what we thought were early lance heads turned out to be actually cattle prods. |
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