This yataghan sword bayonet was made for the Enfield short rifled musket. When Martini Henry rifles were adopted for general issue, the absence of an approved sword bayonet meant that existing bayonets for the Enfield rifle had to be adapted to fit. This involved the re-working of the Enfield Pattern 1856 yataghan bayonet by bushing the muzzle diameter to suit the Martini Henry’s smaller muzzle and grinding a mortised slot into the pommel to accommodate the bayonet band. This re-worked bayonet was then designated the Pattern 1860 Yataghan sword bayonet for the Martini Henry.
Initially, this Yataghan sword bayonet was only issued to NCO's and rifle regiments.
The 578mm single-edged yataghan blade has a flat spine and deep single fuller on each side. The spine bears the letter R meaning “Refurbished.” The blade is double-edged for the last 160mm. The ricasso is stamped with a refurbishment stamp, the bend test X, the War Department WD and broad arrow and an Enfield factory inspection stamp. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the original manufacture date of February 1885 and various dated Enfield and Birmingham inspection and repair stamps, the earliest being 1892, probably the date of the conversion from an Enfield P1856.
The blade is in overall great condition with small areas of pale tarnish and a small patch of dark tarnish and shallow pitting towards the point on one side. The blade has been service sharpened and shows scratching consistent with use and field sharpening.
The iconic steel crosspiece with cocks comb finial is bright and free of rust with a mild patina. The muzzle ring has been bushed to approximately 17mm. The mortice slot adaptation on the steel pommel bears an Enfield inspection stamp. The spine of the tang is stamped with two Birmingham refurbishment stamps, the letter Z and the numeral two. The press-stud and external spring locking mechanism work perfectly and the beaked pommel bears the mark for the Royal Army Medical Corps. The leather grip scales are in good condition and both scales bear inspection stamps.
The bayonet is complete with its original leather scabbard with steel mounts. The steel furniture has a mottled age patina and is bright and without rust or damage. The leather is in excellent condition and the stitching is intact and tight.
This is a rare and sought after bayonet in very good condition.
