Original Item: Only One Available. One of Britain’s most romantic bayonets, this really looks like a Pirate’s Boarding Cutlass but it doubles as a bayonet that fits the P-1858 Two Band Enfield Percussion Rifled Musket. Principally used by the Navy, these were also carried by Artillery and Pioneers on various occasions since it really is an all-purpose weapon. This type of bayonet was also utilized during the U.S. Civil war.
The first pattern of this bayonet had grooved wooden grips, but these but were quickly overtaken by the superior 2nd Pattern employing hard leather grip plates. The blades were very slightly curved and 26 3/4″ long with an overall length of 32 5/8″. Originally each was issued with a steel mounted leather scabbard.
The blade marked with the Contractor’s knight’s helmet logo (most likely W.R. Kirschbaum of Solingen) and proof marks, though they are quite worn and hard to see. Most most were produced for the Royal Navy under Contract in Solingen, Germany. Our example here is is presentable condition the blade bearing old pitting marks from contact with the Sea air. The bowl steel guard surrounds the hard leather checkered grip. The grip plates are intact, but do show the swelling typical of ones exposed to sea air.
Our example no longer has its scabbard however presents very nicely for display.