This bayonet was originally designed for the RN Enfield service rifle of 1859. 50,000 of these were subsequently modified in 1871 (out of a total of 80,000 original production) for the new Martini-Henry. These bayonets (with the rifles) saw substantial service in the Sudan campaigns of the early 1880s, eg the relief column for Gordon of Khartoum.

A clean example, clearly marked 'G.SALTER & CO.' with inspection stamps in the form of a crown over a 'B' over '16'. The hilt is marked 18 for the Royal Irish regiment. This is a particularly nice example, which has had a light hand clean and shows much of its original finish.

This, perhaps the rarest of British socket bayonets, is distinguished by having a 4" socket and was made from converted material ('WHEELER' and inspection stamp on blade). It would have been carried by Royal Marines in the period prior to the Crimean War. Perhaps only a few thousand of these bayonets and muskets were made.