I have always been a believer in keeping a reference library. Not just books, but magazine articles, letters, clubs, associations and of course the internet have provided a wealth of information to me over the years.

Apart from the accumulated knowledge gained, the seemingly high cost of a book is easily defrayed by discovering that you have a ‘sleeper’ in that unknown bayonet in your collection.

There are many other available publications, but here is a small selection I’ve found invaluable:

• British & Commonwealth Bayonets The ‘bible’ for those who are stuck on nothing but! The standard reference work, and available from one of the co-authors, Ian Skennerton, through http://www.skennerton.com/
• Spirit of the Pike – the ultimate reference work for unraveling the mysteries of the ubiquitous Lee Enfield ‘spike’ bayonet and it relatives. Available directly from the author, Graham Priest - http://www.uppempublications.co.uk
• The Socket Bayonet in the British Army 1687 – 1783 - For those looking to fully understand the evolution of the Bess bayonet, another ‘must have’ by author Erik Goldstein. Available directly from the publisher - http://www.manatarmsbooks.com
• The Plug Bayonet – the definitive reference work on the origin and form of these early bayonets. Available directly from the author, Roger Evans - roger@plughole.demon.co.uk
• Collecting Bayonets – a personal view, and excellent reference work by one of the world’s foremost collectors. Available directly from the author Jim Maddox through his site - http://www.collectingbayonets.com/