Description

British Pattern 1879 Artillery Sawback bayonet manufactured at RSAF Enfield. This bayonet fits the Martini-Henry Artillery Carbine as it has the original MR diameter of 17mm. The bayonet is in good condition but does have numerous very small indents to the edge of the blade. The bayonet has several Enfield inspection marks, the ordnance acceptance mark ^/WD and a serial number “453” to the pommel. The grips show some wear and the number “23” which appears to be part of an inspection mark.

The scabbard is blackened leather with sheet steel locket and chape. There is a number to the locket lip and broad arrow to the frog stud. The leather is soft and very frail. It shows three areas of slight damage and the stitching seam is partially undone. The scabbard does not fully close up against the crossguard and this may be due to the chape staple being ill-fitted. (Reference BCB B197, WW 785, JN 53/3 and K Vol 3 #705).