Martini-Henry artillery bayonet, 1879 model, British (c 1880)

Title	Martini-Henry artillery bayonet, 1879 model
Nationality	British
Period	c 1880

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This was designed for the M-H artillery carbine, as the long blade (26") enabled the combination of weapons to compete on equal terms with contemporary European arms. It would have seen extensive service in the Zulu War, First Boer War, Egypt and Sudan campaigns and the Afghan War of 1879.

The blade and mounts have been cleaned, leaving the marks at the forte somewhat faint. One can just make out the top of 'Wilkinson Sword London' punched into the forte, 'WD' and the broad arrow punch (almost polished out), the 'sold out of service' mark of broad arrows back to back with a Birmingham inspector's stamp of crown/'BR'/'66' on the other side of the forte. The grip leather is in good shape apart from some age wear by the pommel on the obverse side.

The missing scabbard would have been leather with iron mounts.

NB: This is not a conversion from a cutlass bayonet, but an original production from scratch. Beware modern copies!

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

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

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