Copyright 2006 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved
The accepted bayonet fighting system for the regular U.S. Army was the method devised by George McClellan. It was taken almost verbatim from the instruction of the French fencing master, M. Gomard. McClellan claimed to have chosen it because of its simplicity and effectiveness. The system was endorsed by General Winfield Scott in 1851.
Though the drawings in McClellan's manual are crude, they are numerous. They adequately describe the poses and maneuvers of bayonet fencing. McClellan's System was simplified after the Civil War. The refined version remained in use until the beginning of the 20th Century.
A sculptor looking to make an exciting set of miniatures can find much inspiration in McClellan's illustrations.
Please note that the source of our illustrations was of a poor quality, hence the crude images shown here.
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Disclaimer: the fighting methods shown here are for illustrative purposes only. They are not intended as actual instruction in bayonet fighting and should not be used as such. Close combat training is dangerous. It can be as dangerous for the user as it is for the target. If you wish to learn close combat, seek a qualified instructor. One should never attempt close combat without the instruction and supervision of a qualified expert instructor .