This cutlass bayonet was made by the German company A. & E. Holler and is one of only 13,000 produced by them. Most of the 13,000 made were used by the Royal Navy, but some were sold to the United States and were used during the American Civil War. 

The 680mm un-fullered blade has a flat spine and single-edge. The blade terminates in a spear point and has a 240mm upper false edge. The blade is in excellent condition and was service sharpened. The forte is stamped with an oval cartouche containing the maker mark "A. & E. H." A. & E. Holler of Solingen Prussia who used this trademark between 1854 and 1885.

The blackened steel bowl guard is in excellent condition. The chequered leather grips are in similarly excellent condition and the external spring catch works perfectly. The lack of British War Department or Naval ownership and inspection stamps suggests that this cutlass bayonet was one of those made for export.

The cutlass bayonet is complete with its original black leather, steel mounted scabbard. The leather is in excellent condition with the stitching intact and tight. There are age and use related scuffs to the leather. The steel locket and chape are in good condition with a speckling of tarnish and very shallow pitting.

This is an excellent example of a rare British Pattern 1859 Type II naval cutlass bayonet by a scarce maker.