Bayonet for Irish Constabulary carbine, 1839 model, British (c 1839-45)

Title	Bayonet for Irish Constabulary carbine, 1839 model
Nationality	British
Period	c 1839-45

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This was carried by the Irish Constabulary on a double-barrelled carbine in the uneasy mid-century occupation of Ireland by the British. Probably only 1,000 were ever made - in three contracts in 1839, 1840 and 1845. About 250 carbines were ordered originally and were made by Tipping & Lawden, who also supplied the bayonets.

This would have been a smooth bore carbine, capable of firing ball ammunition or buckshot, depending on the circumstances. It was similar to the Cape carbine, with a pair of back action percussion locks. A good example of one of these with scabbard would be worth some £1,500. It has to be the rarest bayonet of the armed forces of the crown over the centuries. This is an academic example, stripped of all its working parts, with a blade in terrible shape and the cross piece distorted out of true (it should be straight), hence the price.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Bayonets : British : 19th Century]