This video delves into the fascinating history of American trowel bayonets, a unique firearm accessory developed in the late 19th century. The US Army experimented with combining a bayonet with an entrenching tool, first in 1868 with 200 experimental examples, followed by 500 Model 1869 trowel bayonets. These were tested by infantry units, with surprisingly positive field reports. The lack of a dedicated entrenching tool made even this awkward combination a significant improvement for digging shallow cover. While some officers viewed the bayonet's role as diminishing due to breechloading rifles, the practicality of the trowel function was recognized. This led to a significant order of 10,000 improved 1873 pattern trowel bayonets. Despite their use in combat, the development eventually shifted towards knife trowels, and the trowel bayonet concept was discontinued in the 1870s.
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