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Title Volunteer sword bayonet for short Enfield rifle
Nationality British
Period 1860-68
Price £0.00
Sold

This is not an issue weapon, but almost certainly a private purchase item, bought by one of the volunteers in the numerous volunteer rifle regiments that were raised between 1857 into the early 1860s at the time of the French invasion scare. There are volunteer unit markings engraved on the frog stud, sadly barely legible.

It is maker marked Chavasse of Alma Street, Aston Newton, active 1860-68. If it were government issue, it would have ordnance marks as well (see the other one on my site, which is government issue). It is actually bettter made than the average government issue piece.

This is the 1858 pattern bayonet for the short Enfield rifle, differing from the earlier versions by virtue of having a screw on the leaf spring instead of a rivet and no short slot forward of the bayonet stud mortice.

It is the bar on band variety and has a magnificent chequered leather grip and most of the original polish remaining on the blade with a few scattered rust spots here and there. The bottom chape is missing its staple and is currently secured by a piece of 4x2 rifle rag, easily removable if desired. The top mount has been modified with a file, so that the bayonet could be comfortably mounted on the rifle with the scabbard in situ.

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


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

testimonials

As always, I'm very happy with the purchase and it makes a nice addition to my small collection.

C S, UK, 04.05.2018

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

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