British Martini Henry Pattern 1860 Yataghan Sword Bayonet

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Pattern 1860 Martini Henry Sword Bayonet British P1860 Yataghan Bayonet. Victorian Martini Henry Sword Bayonet 1860 British Martini Henry Pattern 1860 Yataghan Sword Bayonet #4 British Martini Henry Pattern 1860 Yataghan Sword Bayonet #5 British Martini Henry Pattern 1860 Yataghan Sword Bayonet #6 British Martini Henry Pattern 1860 Yataghan Sword Bayonet #7 British Martini Henry Pattern 1860 Yataghan Sword Bayonet #8 British Martini Henry Pattern 1860 Yataghan Sword Bayonet #9 British Martini Henry Pattern 1860 Yataghan Sword Bayonet #10 British Martini Henry Pattern 1860 Yataghan Sword Bayonet #11
This yataghan sword bayonet was originally made for the Enfield short rifled musket.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 reworked stamp. The blade is double-edged for the last 160mm. The ricasso is stamped with the king’s head logo of Kirschbaum of Solingen, Germany and a Solingen inspection mark that has been over stamped with an Enfield inspection mark. The ricasso also bears the British War Department WD and broad arrow and the letter “R” to indicate that it has been re-worked. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the date February 1885, probably the date that the bayonet was altered for use with the Martini Henry.

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 an Enfield inspection stamp. The spine of the tang is stamped with the letters W N. The birds’ beak pommel bears the issue number 237 and a struck out issue number 268 as well as a Solingen inspection stamp. 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 leather scabbard with steel mounts. The steel furniture has a mottled age patina. The locket bears a British inspection stamp. The leather is in very good condition. The back of the scabbard bears a War Department broad arrow, date and inspection stamp.

This is a rare and sought after bayonet in very good condition.

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