Strange stock appurtenance

[Kermit]

There was an antique rifle featured on the blog on the 13th that has some sort of retractable (?) doodad set into the bottom of the butt, and there appears to be a screw through the heel as a pivot, unless I miss my guess.

So what is it? I have my theory...

[Dphariss]

There were rifles made with retractable "hooks" used like Schuetzen buttplates were.
I have seen one such years ago on a percussion rifle.
Dan

[art riser]

bayonet... see comments under antiques on this site...

[Kermit]

Thanks. Both of those crossed my mind. I'd like to have some narrative on this particular gun. Too bad there wasn't even a photo uf the thing "deployed."

[Dphariss]

bayonet... see comments under antiques on this site...

Probably but its impractical to the point of being ludicrous unless that spot it just for storage.
That is the weakest end of the gun by far and while I have never stuck anyone with a bayonet the Gas trap Garand was changed to make it stronger to bayonet use and I suspect its a lot stronger than this thing ever was.
I would love to see it extended to see what it really is.
If they wanted a bayonet the should have made the buttstock the storage place (as was sometimes done) and made it to fit on the muzzle, this is usable even if the buttstock is broken off.
Dan