This rare 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 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 580mm single-edged yataghan blade has a flat spine and deep single fuller on each side. The spine bears a Solingen inspection stamp and a British reissue stamp. The blade is double-edged for the last 160mm. The ricasso is stamped with the king’s head logo of Weyersberg & Kirschbaum of Solingen, Germany and a Solingen inspection mark. The ricasso also bears the British bend test X, the War Department WD and broad arrow and an Enfield factory inspection stamp. The obverse ricasso is stamped with various dated Birmingham inspection and repair stamps, the earliest being March 1885, the date of the conversion from an Enfield P1856.
The iconic steel crosspiece with cocks comb finial is bright and free of rust and the muzzle ring has been bushed to approximately 17mm. The mortice slot adaptation on the steel pommel bears a worn inspection stamp. The spine of the tang is stamped with a Birmingham repair stamp and several other stamps including the letter N (appearing in two places), possibly denoting issue for naval service. The press-stud and external spring locking mechanism work perfectly. The leather grip scales are in excellent condition and both scales bear inspection stamps.
The bayonet is complete with its original and matching leather scabbard with steel mounts. The steel furniture has a mottled age patina and is bright and without rust or damage. The oval frog stud on the locket bears the issue number 334. The leather is in excellent condition and the stitching is intact and tight. The back of the scabbard bears worn War Department broad arrow and inspection stamps as well as the same initialling found on the spine of the bayonet’s tang. The edge of the scabbard is stamped with the maker’s name.
This is a rare and sought after bayonet in very good condition.
