Original British Victorian 2nd Pattern Cutlass Bayonet for Naval P-1858 Enfield Rifle Original Items

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 were quickly overtaken by the superior 2nd Pattern employing hard leather grip plates. The blades were very slightly curved and 25 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, this example here features the famed trademark “Knights-Head” (Ritter-helm) logo (most likely W.R. Kirschbaum of Solingen). Our example appears right out of the attic with a very dark patinaed 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 need TLC. Ready to display, cleaned or as found after over 150 years.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 25 3/4″
Blade Style: Curved Single Edge
Overall length: 31 3/8“
Basket dimensions: 5 1/2″ width x 5 1/2” length