Revolutionary War German Hessian Bayonet 1750

Description

For sale is an original German made musket bayonet most likely used here by Hessian troops fighting for Britain during the Revolutionary War.  It is marked with the maker logo PC on the blade with 38 beneath, weapon numbers stamped on the shank, and possible unit number "39" hand scribed on the socket.
This example has a 14" very stout blade, 1 1/16" wide base, and the grinding and finishing is extremely nice; superior to most other bayonets of the period.  This bayonet is slightly shorter than the standard length of this type blade.  It was meant for artillery or possibly dragoons to fit a standard or shorter German musket.
The 3 1/2" long socket has a reinforcing collar, unlike some other German bayonets of an earlier pattern.  The inside diameter is about 7/8", a 1/16" smaller than a period Brown Bess musket.  George Neumann pictures a similar bayonet on p. 43, 35B in his book "Swords & Blades Of The American Revolution" and attributes a date ca. 1750.  I think this one may be about ten or so years later due to the precise, consistent finishing work but, like today, Germany was very advanced technologically even back in the early Solingen days.
Condition is exceptional, as shown.  Some scatterred light old pitting exists but no rust.  German steel used back then was superior to most other nations' and it is reflected by the high state of condition of many surviving Hessian artifacts.  The battles around Trenton during Christmans 1776 and New Years' 1777 season resulted in the capture of Hessian artifacts that survived in museums and collections in fine condition.
The next to last photo shows a comparison of this bayonet with two other German or so-called Dutch bayonets.  The top one dates 1715-1741, purchased by Britain from Liege or Germany, deemed unacceptable by the Ordnance Board for British troops, and used to fill orders from American colony Governors or militias in the 1740-50's.  Many saw use in the French and Indian Seven Years War !756-1663.  These flat bladed types should probably be associated with American troops instead of British or Hessian/Germans as they were imported here beforde 1775 and likely still in use by militia here during the Revolution.  The middle one was captured from Hessian troops at the Battle of and raids on Trenton NJ  Dec.1776-Jan. 1777.  The blade form is almost a duplicate of this blade at bottom.
The last photo shows a candelabra made from two of these types of bayonets, with longer blades.  It is one of a pair sold at an estate sale in New York City a few years ago and is not for sale.  The other was in an old Atlanta collection last I heard.
Study the photos carefully so you know exactly what you will receive.  Bayonets of this period were still hand fitted to an individual musket, so it may or may not fit yours.  On the other hand, there is a lot of history for the value in hand made bayonets of this period.  Because the soldier had only one shot in his musket, with several steps required to reload, the bayonet was usually fixed in battle and was used as a primary means of attack when advancing on an enemy.  With colonial era muskets costing thousands, if you can find them for sale, a few hundred dollars for one of a colonial soldier's primary weapon is a wise investment.  This is an exceptionally fine piece and a good representation of skilled blade making in the 18th Century.
Please understand that I can not offer eBay returns on one of a kind historical items due to the risk of breakage and loss, which seems to be occurring more these days.  If I have incorrectly identified an item or there is hidden damage not described or visible in photos, I will make it right if you contact me first.   The same way I have for over 50 years.  I value your business.  Thanks.