British Pattern 1859 Type II Naval Cutlass Bayonet for use on the 1858 Snider-Enfield .577 Naval Rifle.
This cutlass bayonet was made by Kirschbaum, a Solingen (Germany) based company. Kirschbaum produced 27,232 of these cutlass bayonets for the Royal Navy. They also produced the pattern 1859 cutlass bayonet for private sale and export. Many of these went 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 very good condition and was service sharpened. There are light use and sharpening related scratches and a small patch of very shallow pitting at the forte on one side. The forte is stamped with a “Ritter,” the knight’s helmet logo of Kirschbaum. The forte also bears a corroded factory inspection stamp.
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 polished steel bowl guard is in excellent condition. The knurled leather grips are in similarly good condition and the external spring catch works perfectly. The end of the pommel is stamped with the rack/issue number 15.
The cutlass bayonet is complete with its steel mounted leather scabbard. The leather is in excellent condition and the stitching is intact and tight. The steel locket and chape are in great condition and have a pleasant pale patina. The cutlass sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a rare British Pattern 1859 Type II naval cutlass bayonet in great condition.
