French & Indian War Bayonet, recovered at Fort Gage by Frank Kravic

This is another rare piece coming out of a 60-year collection of 18^th century artifacts. It is a socket musket bayonet, circa 1750 – 1780. It has an overall measurement of 17 ¼” with the blade being 13 ¼” (possibly French). It was recovered by historian and author Frank Kravic at Fort Gage in General Gage’s Redoubt at Crown Point, New York (see pictures). It also has the typical Kravic marking “F.G. /A50/226”.

"General Gage's Redoubt" at Crown Point refers to a small fortification built by British General Thomas Gage during the French and Indian War, located at Crown Point in New York, which is part of the larger Fort Crown Point complex. it is essentially a smaller defensive outpost within the fort's perimeter, named after the commanding general at the time (see map). Named for General Thomas Gage of the 80th Light Armed Foot, who was second in command under Amherst in 1759 (see pictures).

Fort Gage was built in 1758 in Warren County, in the Town of Lake George, about one mile south of Lake George Village. Fortified during the early fighting of the Seven Years’ War, Fort Gage served as a supply base for Fort William Henry. The bastion was also used as Lord Howe's advance-guard for Abercrombie's troops in 1758.

The bayonet remains in very nice condition, having some slight overall roughness, but no chipping or flaking. There are examples of this type of bayonet in the “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann and Kravic and in “Swords & Blades of the American Revolution” (see pictures). This is the first time it has been on the open market and is truly a great piece of early American History. It definitely merits a place in an advanced collection or museum. A Certificate of Authenticity will be included.

With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding this year, interest in the Revolutionary War and its relics is expected to significantly increase. This renewed enthusiasm will drive demand for virtually all Revolutionary War artifacts, further contributing to their scarcity and rising prices.

Already, I am witnessing a significant uptick in purchases of these items, which reflects the growing anticipation for the anniversary and the heightened value of Revolutionary War memorabilia.