This is a very early example of a Hessian Military Hirschfanger. This one dates from the late 18th to the early 19th century. It is engraved SCHUTZEN COMPAGNIE on both sides of the blade. The spelling of compagnie changed from the French style to the German style early in the 19th century so we know this bayonet predates that change. It has a twin lug style attachment mechanism. It originally had a shell guard that is no longer present. The attchment spring is also missing.
Dimensions are as follows: Overall length 687mm; Blade length 554; Blade width 34; Blade thickness 7.5; Handle length 133.
