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Title Yataghan bayonet, model 1856/58, Martini Henry conversion
Nationality British
Period c 1858
Sold

This example, with the blade marked EGE (?Egyptian Government ...?) at the forte, was converted for the MH rifle in December 1875 (marked 12/75 on the blade). It was made by Reeves and has extensive British arsenal inspection stamps together with the WD stamp. In addition, there are faint ordnance marks to the top of the leather scabbard.

The rifle this bayonet was originally made for was almost certainly the short pattern Enfield rifle of 1858. The conversion was effected by bushing the barrel ring, ie inserting a thin sliver of circular steel into the muzzle ring to reduce its diameter to fit the narrower barrel of the Martini Henry.

The leather grip is in reasonably good shape, still retaining most of its chequering, and has a nice snug fit to the iron tang. The leather scabbard is also in reasonable shape, the seam being intact down the back, with some old worm holes having been carefully filled in at the base of the scabbard. The iron chapes of the scabbard are in good shape and possess their original ordnance stamps by the staples. The blade (22.75" long) has some mild staining to the base of the blade and a little bit of old pitting some 2" from the end of the fuller on one side. However, considering the age and service of the weapon, it appears to be in good shape throughout.

Nice to find one of these with all its issue marks intact. So often these marks seem to have been polished out.

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


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

testimonials

Thank you very much for sending the order through so quickly.

S H, UK, 05.02.2009

The packet has arrived safely and the content is very nice!

R P, Italy, 08.02.2008

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