The Martini Henry Pattern 1876 socket bayonet, officially named the “Bayonet Common Long” was nicknamed the "Lunger" by the troops. The blade is triangular with blunt edges and was purely a stabbing weapon.
Bayonets were marked with the War Department WD and arrow stamp and an Enfield Viewing mark. Initially there was no date of manufacture but this was added to the forte after July 21st 1882. The majority of these bayonets were manufactured by the Royal Small Arms factory Enfield.
The 550mm tri-form blade is in good condition with small areas of tarnish and some pitting in patches along the edges. The base of the blade is nicely marked with the War Department “WD” stamp, Broad Arrow and inspection stamps. In addition the base of the blade bears an italicised B and a large R as well as the unit marking “?(S). S. A. ?. Co. L. 77.” The absence of a date stamp on the blade indicates that the bayonet was produced prior to July 1882.
The left side of the blade base is deeply engraved with Indian, Afghan or Nepalese markings, indicating that after its initial British service the bayonet was then used by a foreign force. The lack of a British sold out of service stamp could suggest that the bayonet was a captured weapon.
The socket is in good condition with its original blueing remaining. There are some small dings and wear to the blued finish. The socket is stamped on top with the numeral 148. The mortise ring on the socket works perfectly.
The brass mounted black leather scabbard is in very good condition. The absence of brass rivets on the period made scabbard suggest that it was colonially made. The brass locket with integral teardrop frog stud is un-marked. The brass chape is also un-marked. The leather is in good condition and strong. The stitching is intact and tight and the scabbard has an internal spring that gives it rigidity and helps hold the bayonet firmly within.
This is a good and interesting example of the iconic Anglo-Zulu War Martini Henry bayonet, made between July 1877 and July 1882 and at some point adopted into service by a foreign army.
