British United East India Co. P1840 Brown Bess Bayonet

Description

Here is an original Brown Bess Pattern 1840 bayonet made by the British United  East India Co. for artillery or sea service.  It was designed to fit a percussion Brown Bess musket or carbine having a leaf spring latch under the muzzle which snaps into the half- round hole in the socket collar.  This pattern is unusual in that by 1840, most nations had switched to an improved cammed locking band surrounding the socket to lock the bayonet on the barrel.  It was not until the Pattern 1853 that locking bands became standard for the British. The French and American colonists had adopted the locking band in the 1770's.
This blade is 16 " long, 1 1/8" wide at base and the .75 cal. socket is 3" long.  It has been cleaned of rust with a non-abrasive, non-acid chemical rust remover/preservative.  It is bright with some old light pitting.  There is a very slight bend to the socket collar which may or may not effect mounting on a rifle musket.  The number 63 is stamped on the collar and there are no other marks. It is possible that this is an 1810 vintage bayonet modified after 1838 by shortening the socket and adding the larger collar.
A well finished early Victorian bayonet. Please study the photos carefully so you know what you will receive.  I do not take returns through eBay on historical artifacts.  Processing insurance claims for lost shipments is buyers' responsibility.  Thank you.