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 E.I.C. 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 between 1802 and 1805.
This bayonet has a total length of 506mm comprising a 102mm long socket with a bore of 25mm. The triangular blade measures 398mm.
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 great example of a socket bayonet for the famous Napoleonic Wars India pattern Brown Bess musket.
