Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of an 1857 dated socket bayonet for the Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket. The Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle-musket was a .577 caliber Minié-type muzzle-loading rifled musket, used by the British Empire from 1853 to 1867; after which many were replaced in service by the cartridge-loaded Snider–Enfield rifle.
This British-made bayonet is an original triangle socket bayonet made for the Model 1853 Enfield musket. The Enfield bayonet has the distinction of being the first universal issue bayonet to the British Army that employed a locking device. Blade was made of the best cast steel and had an iron socket welded to it.
The bayonet with its French-style locking ring has a triangular tapered blade with fullers on each face and was carried in a brass-mounted leather scabbard like the one here. Bayonet appears to have been cleaned at one time. Measures approximately 20½” long overall with a 17” long blade and a 3” long socket. Blade has various stampings on the shoulder near the socket. The ricasso is stamped with W. HIGGINS & SONS with an 1857 date underneath the crown stamp.
The black leather scabbard has a triangular body mounted with its original brass throat, clasp hook and drag. Leather body is in good condition but does have a hard crease with popped stitches. The throat and drag are both tarnished with light denting visible.
A lovely bayonet ready for further research and display.