This British pattern 1856 sword bayonet was made for the Model 1853 Enfield infantry short-musket. As well as being issued to British units, these muskets and bayonets were sold in large numbers to both the Union and Confederate armies during the American Civil War. This bayonet is a typical example of one of these, as it does not bear British military issue or War Department ownership stamps.
The 577mm yataghan blade has a flat spine and broad single fuller on both sides. The recurved blade is double-edged for the last 120mm. The blade was service sharpened. The ricasso bears the Knight’s helmet logo of the makers, Kirschbaum, of Solingen, Germany. The absence of any British use or ownership stamps indicates that this bayonet was produced in Germany for export. The main export market for these bayonets at this time was America, for use in the American Civil War.
The blade is in very good condition and is free from rust but has some small areas of almost imperceptible shallow pitting that has been cleaned.
The iconic steel crosspiece with cockscomb and button finials is in good condition. The spine of the tang is flush with the interior of the muzzle ring identifying this bayonet as being the 1856 model, as opposed to the 1858 model, which has a small step up to the muzzle ring. The press-stud and external spring locking mechanism work perfectly. The leather grip scales are in good condition.
The bayonet is complete with its original leather scabbard with steel mounts. The steel furniture is bright with a pale speckled patina. The leather is in overall good condition. There are two creases in the leather, clearly seen in the photos. The stitching is intact and the seam strong. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly in the scabbard.
This is a rare British bayonet made in Germany for the export market and may have seen service during the American Civil War.
