Description

British Pattern 1871 cutlass bayonet manufactured by the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield in September 1878 “09/78” for the Martini Henry rifle.

MR 18mm, Blade length is 652mm and Overall length 796mm. There are various stampings such as the broad arrow mark over WD, the Enfield inspection mark “Crown/E/90” and the bend mark to one side of the ricasso.  “N” for Navy to the pommel and also to the top of the tang along with a “W” and “R” and the Birmingham inspection “CR/BR/26” to the top of the blade.  To the hilt there is “G G” and another Birmingham inspection mark “CR/BR/34” also to the hilt.

Mr Ian Skennerton was of the opinion that this piece was an Australian Navy trials piece.

The scabbard is brown leather body with brass locket and chape with Indian inspection marks. The production of the scabbard is of very high calibre and not that of normal Indian manufacture. The rear of the leather is stamped with the inspection mark “I^M/S”,and “A.A.10.16”

(Reference WW 783 and BCB 192)

** SOLD ** November 2025