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.
The 554mm tri-form blade is in very good condition with small areas of tarnish and shallow pitting along the edges. The base of the blade is nicely stamped with the War Department “WD” stamp, Broad Arrow, Enfield inspection and reissue stamps. There are two issue numbers, 991 and 306 along with a reissue stamp. The date stamp on the blade indicates that the bayonet was produced in October 1887. The left side of the blade bears a Birmingham repair/reissue stamp.
The socket is in good condition with its original blueing remaining. The socket is stamped on top with the inverted arrow, sold out of service mark. The mortise ring on the socket works perfectly.
The second pattern, brass mounted black leather scabbard is in very good condition. The brass locket with integral frog stud is marked with an Enfield inspection stamp, WD and arrow. The teardrop frog stud is stamped with the War Department arrow. The brass chape is also marked with a WD and arrow. The leather is in good condition for its age and the stitching is intact. The first 40mm of the seam below the locket has wear consistent with being in a frog.
The scabbard is complete with its buff leather frog which is in very good condition.
This is a better than average example of the iconic Anglo-Zulu War Martini Henry bayonet.
