The “India Pattern” socket bayonet was so called because it was made on contract for the East India Company (E.I.C.) for use with their .75 calibre India pattern Brown Bess muskets. When Napoleon began invading and conquering the countries of Europe, Britain ramped up their own preparations for war and in so doing, adopted the EIC’s India Pattern Muskets. India pattern muskets were simpler, faster and cheaper to produce. They were also available in large numbers. Stock of India pattern bayonets and muskets were commandeered by the Board of Ordnance and EIC contracts with private sector manufacturers were taken over, with all arms production being diverted for the British war effort. This bayonet was made under contract to the E.I.C by John Gill of Birmingham, England.
Blade of bayonets made for the EIC were usually 25mm (an inch) shorter than their British counterparts. The British Land pattern Brown Bess bayonet having a 17-inch blade while the East India Companies, India pattern bayonet was 16 inches.
This bayonet has a total length of 525mm comprising a 100mm long socket with an internal muzzle ring diameter of 24mm at the back and 23mm at the front. The triangular blade measures 405mm (16 inches).
The bayonet is in very good condition. The face of the blade is stamped with the Birmingham maker’s name, John Gill.
This is a very good example of a socket bayonet for the famous Napoleonic Wars India pattern Brown Bess musket.
