This private purchase pattern 1856 British sword bayonet was made for the Model 1853, .577 calibre Enfield rifled infantry short-musket. Early production bayonets had the internal diameter of the muzzle ring tailored to a specific rifle and were not interchangeable. As well as being issued to regular British units, these rifles and bayonets were sold to private militias. This bayonet bears the Regimental badge of Prince Albert’s Own Leicester Yeomanry. It is rare to find bayonets with an etched blade. Etched bladed sword bayonets of this period were probably presentation pieces awarded to members of the Leicester yeomanry. Often, the bayonet was worn as a ceremonial side arm without being intended for use with a rifle.
The 582mm yataghan blade has a flat spine and broad single fuller on both sides. The recurved (Yataghan) blade has a 180mm upper false edge. The blade is in excellent condition with some small and very minor patches of pale tarnish. The blade is deeply etched with the Prince of Wales’ feathers over a tower with a crown at its base. This is the regimental emblem of Prince Albert’s Own Leicester Yeomanry. Below this is etched another crown. The obverse ricasso is etched with the maker’s details for Parker, Field & Sons. 233 Holborn, London. Of note, and adding to the bayonets’ rarity is the spelling error on the maker’s details, FIELD is misspelt FIFLD.
The iconic steel crosspiece with cockscomb and button finials is bright and free of rust. The interior of the muzzle ring is flush with the tang of the blade and there is a short lead to the mortice slot, indicating that this is a true 1856 model bayonet, as opposed to the later, re-worked 1858 model. The internal muzzle ring diameter is 19.9mm.
The press-stud and external spring locking mechanism work perfectly. The sharply beaked pommel bears the number 43. The leather grip scales are in fair condition with wear commensurate with age and use.
The bayonet is complete with its original leather scabbard with steel mounts. The scabbard is in excellent condition. The steel furniture is free of rust or damage with a speckling of pale tarnish. The leather is in excellent condition and the stitching is intact and tight. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a great example of a rare, etched private purchase pattern 1856 yataghan bayonet with regimental badging.
