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 1/2″. Originally each was issued with a steel mounted leather scabbard.
Most examples were produced for the Royal Navy under Contract in Solingen, Germany, however due to surface rust we cannot see any maker marks or proofs. Our example appears right out of the attic with a very dark patinated finish from years of storage just waiting to be cleaned. Showing only minor deterioration on the metalwork, the grip plates do show some shrinkage. The blade also does have some nicks on the edge, probably from training or boredom.
A very difficult original British Naval Cutlass Bayonet. Just needs TLC. Ready to display, cleaned or as found after over 150 years.