British, Pattern 1840 Constabulary Bayonet and Scabbard by RW (R.W. Aston (Richard & William Aston, Birmingham)). Sn 23767 Bayonet

This is a British pattern 1840 Constabulary bayonet, introduced in 1840 for use with the carbine then being issued to the Irish Constabulary, later the Royal Irish Constabulary. This bayonets feature a Lovell spring catch fitted to the bayonet to retain the bayonet in its scabbard to preventing its easy withdrawal which was introduced in 1844. The bayonet has a blade length of 13 inches and measures 16 ¾ inches overall. The ricasso is stamped crown B 13, crown B7 and RW (R.W. Aston (Richard & William Aston, Birmingham). The socket is engraved 99 I on the left hand side. The bayonet is contained in its original leather and brass mounted scabbard which has the cut out for the Lovell retaining catch. The blade of the bayonet is in excellent condition with crisp stampings and the scabbard has intact stitching. See page 89, plate B138 of British and Commonwealth Bayonets by Ian Snennerton. The price for this bayonet includes UK delivery. Sn 23767