Impressive Very Well Preserved Bucket Bayonet. Spain, 1863

This exceptional weapon is a plug bayonet made in Spain in 1863, as reads the mark engraved in the metal. The piece is in very good condition and all its components are well preserved. This bayonet dates from the reign of Isabel II of Spain, so maybe it was used in some of the contents that took place or started then such as the War of Cuba (1868). The piece is in good condition. Plug bayonets were the first ones in being used and the most common ones between the 17th and the 19th centuries. These weapons allowed light infantry to be converted to heavy infantry and hold off cavalry charges. These weapons have a round handle that slides directly into the musket barrel and naturally prevents the gun from being fired. The bayonets use was considerably reduced during the first half of the 20th century; today is used to train soldiers as it is considered to build moral and increase aggressiveness in troops. This weapon is present in parades and ceremonies too. This particular model shows off a solid and stylized design with a threatening look. The piece that connects the bayonet with the round handle bears a serial number engraved in the metal: 3173. Inside we can see a series of gunsmith marks, including some capital letters and numbers (A, Y, 8 and 7) and the following inscription: 1863 D.Y.COMPª, indicating the year of manufacture and the gunsmiths name. This amazing plug bayonet is a historic piece, a witness of times gone by with a strong decorative potential. Measurements: 21.2 in/54 cm.