Original British Victorian 2nd Pattern P-1856/1858 Cutlass Bayonet for Enfield Short 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. They were also Widely used by MARINE landing parties. The bayonet saw use in the Colonial Wars of the late Victorian era, such as The ABBYSINIAN CAMPAIGN, THE ZULU WAR OF 1879, THE EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGN of 1884 and the SUDAN Campaign of 1879. 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. There is a “Shield” logo with C K in the top of it, but we have not been able to identify this maker. There is also a proof mark on the spine, but it is unclear.

Our example appears right out of the attic with a nice 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, and were painted over along with the hilt at some point. Many of these were “bushed” down to work with the .577/.450 Martini-Henry, but these example is still in the original .577 configuration.

A very difficult original British Naval Cutlass Bayonet. Just needs TLC. Ready to display, cleaned or as found after over 150 years.