British ‘1879’ Artillery Sawback. BAYO 780. Bayonets

The blade of the sword bayonet is straight, and the back is cut as a saw of 41 teeth. The hilt is furnished with a bar guard. The locking arrangement was the reverse of that in other sword bayonets that were in service: thus the spring and bolt are on the left side of the pommel instead of on the right: the locking edge of the bolt is rounded, and it locks on the back edge of the bar on the upper band instead of on the front. The spring and bolt are consequently special to this sword bayonet. See Skennerton pages 154-156 B197. This example is dated 4/84 (April 1884) and has an enlarged muzzle ring (18mm). The leather chequered grips are in good condition. The blade is unmarked and has aged well. VR over crown (Victoria Regina) is imprinted on the blade, as is the manufacture date and various clear inspection stamps ‘war department acceptance’ ‘government acceptance’ etc. Price includes UK delivery. BAYO 780.