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DAY 1: Historic Arms & Armor: Revolutionary America

Sat, Jul 18, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-07-18 11:00:00 2026-07-18 11:00:00 America/New_York Treasure Trove Treasure Trove : DAY 1: Historic Arms & Armor: Revolutionary America https://live.treasuretroveauctions.com/auctions/treasure-trove/day-1-historic-arms-armor-revolutionary-america-23506
Treasure Trove Auctions proudly presents Day 1 of our premier militaria event, featuring an extraordinary selection of historic American arms and relics, including some of the finest documented Revolutionary War material we have encountered, significant Civil War artifacts, American Indian pieces, and frontier-era history. Complementing this remarkable offering is our signature selection of medieval, Renaissance, and antique arms & armor, creating a truly exceptional sale spanning centuries of warfare. Now is your chance to acquire tangible history from all eras of military history!
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Lot 562

Museum Quality Antique Spanish–English Plug Bayonet Hunting Dagger with Gilt Scabbard

Starting Bid
$50

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000

This incredibly detailed and museum-quality antique Spanish-English plug bayonet hunting dagger is accompanied by an ornate gilt-mounted scabbard and measures approximately 19 inches overall with a 12 1/2-inch blade. The blade is lavishly decorated on both sides with intricate period engravings that remain remarkably crisp and well-preserved, showing little evidence of wear or fading. We strongly encourage bidders to examine the photographs closely to fully appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic detail present throughout this piece. The decorative elements extend far beyond the blade itself. From the base of the plug through the crossguard, the dagger is embellished with gilt and gold wire inlay arranged in elegant period patterns. While the specific motifs remain unattributed, they are highly representative of the refined decorative traditions seen on quality European hunting and presentation arms of the era.

The scabbard is equally impressive and mirrors the artistry of the dagger itself. Both the upper mount and drag feature matching engraved decoration, while traces of gilt remain even more pronounced on the scabbard fittings than on the dagger. The overall effect is one of exceptional visual appeal and sophistication. The form itself is particularly fascinating, combining characteristics of an early plug bayonet with those of a gentleman's hunting dagger, creating a weapon that is both martial and sporting in nature. A chain remains attached to the suspension loop; while this component is unattributed and may be a later addition, it does not detract from the overall beauty and presentation of the piece. In fact, this dagger has consistently been one of the most admired and frequently discussed plug bayonets displayed within our gallery at Collectors Crossroads, drawing attention from collectors and visitors alike due to its extraordinary decoration and uncommon form.

Plug bayonet hunting daggers emerged during a period when firearms, hunting culture, and edged weapons were closely intertwined. Prior to the widespread adoption of the socket bayonet, plug bayonets were designed to fit directly into the muzzle of a firearm, instantly transforming it into a spear-like weapon for close combat. Similar dagger forms were also carried by sportsmen and members of the gentry for hunting purposes, serving both practical and ceremonial roles. Spanish and English influences frequently overlapped in these refined European arms, particularly in pieces intended for affluent military officers, hunters, and gentlemen who desired both functionality and elegance.

With its Spanish-English attribution, richly engraved blade, extensive gilt and wire-inlaid decoration, ornate scabbard, and distinctive plug bayonet form, this is an exceptionally attractive and highly displayable edged weapon. It offers tremendous appeal for collectors of early bayonets, hunting weapons, European daggers, and finely mounted antique arms. Pieces exhibiting this level of decoration and preservation are seldom encountered and stand apart as true showcase examples.

Provenance: From a French-American collector and museum curator.

Dimensions: Blade length: 12 1/2 inches. Overall length: 19 inches.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent/Mint - Well-preserved, minimal wear, complete, functional, and/or fully intact. Close to original condition. May also be labelled as museum quality.


Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions’ proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.

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