BAKER RIFLE BAYONET
BAKER RIFLE BAYONET FROM A PENINSULA WAR BATTLEFIELD
A Rare and Genuine Battlefield find from a Peninsula War Battlefield, this is a Baker Rifle Bayonet complete less the Guard. It came from the collection of Jean Quatre Vieux, an amateur but highly accomplished Napoleonic historian who trawled many battlefields including those in his 2002 book, “The Battles of Napoleon in the South West” where it looks like the broken guard to this bayonet is illustrated on page 153 - sadly they have not been re-united!
Although in excavated condition, it is very solid, complete with spring and button catch which is not seized, and the blade is pitted and bent but not broken. Overall length 26.5", blade 22". It could be restored with a replacement guard, work to the bar slot, spring catch and straightening the blade although this would entail removing the handle grip. Guards are available from numerous sources.
There are now so many replica Baker rifle bayonets that have been cleverly aged due to the escalating prices of genuine items. Several ‘originals’ priced over £1,000 looking highly dubious when closely inspected with Tourmaline ageing as opposed to naturally aged brass for example.
A rare find which could be restored or displayed as is.
Price: £325.00 including UK mainland delivery
SWEDISH CAVALRY TROOPER'S SWORD
MODIFIED 1893 PATTERN SWEDISH CAVALRY TROOPER'S SWORD
The sword is 33" overall with a 28" curved blade. The hilt including a solid brass bowl guard and ribbed grip are all from a Swedish 1893 pattern trooper's sword and stamped with the inspectors mark "GM" under a crown. The blade however is an old period replacement, possibly modified for sea service as it is 10" shorter than the original blade and has a single cutting edge instead of the double sided blade found on the original pattern. It is not known if the blade was modified at the time of manufacture or shortly afterwards. Further research may reveal if such blades were routinely fitted or if this is a unique modification.
The blade is slightly pitted with an even unrestored patina. The solid brass bowl is in good condition and the grip appears original but worn.
Price: £225.00 including UK mainland delivery
