British 1876 ‘Lunger’ Socket Bayonet. BAYO 227. Bayonet

The 22" Common socket bayonet was named the "Lunger" by the soldiers. Triangular in shape, the bayonet was purely a stabbing weapon, with no sharp edges. Known today as the Pattern 76', this is actually incorrect, the official name was the "Bayonet Common Long". Bayonets were marked with the War Department stamp, and the Enfield Viewing marks. From July 21st 1882 socket bayonets were marked with the date of manufacture. The majority of the Common bayonets were manufactured by the Royal Small Arms factory Enfield, however BSA produced 5000 in the 1877 production year. This is an 1876 pattern socket bayonet with a blued socket and elbow and a polished blade. The blade has several stamps including a capital "R" over the Broad Arrow and "W.D.", below this is a number "735" which has been deleted with a line stamped through it. There is also an inspection mark on one of the other sides of the blade. (See Skennerton's item B187 pages 145 & 146). The bayonet is a very nice example with only minor signs of age related wear. The price includes UK delivery. BAYO 227.