Martini Henry Sword

The first bayonets intended for use by Garrison Artillery were conversions of the old Snider Yataghan sword bayonets. In 1878 H.R.H. The Duke of Cambridge, the Field Marshall commanding in Chief deemed it essential that Garrison Artillery should be able to fix sword bayonets. See page 315/380 No 785 of Watts & White for reference. The 1879 bayonet is quite distinctive with its straight fullered sawback blade, black chequered leather grips and a steel knuckle guard with a slot for a sword knot. One unusual feature is that the leaf spring locking arrangement is the reverse of that in other sword bayonets (left instead of right). This example has V.R. Cypher (Queen Victoria VR which stands for Victoria Regina) amongst inspection stamps and ’90 for manufacture year 1890. It has an Enfield R.S.A.F. inspection mark and a Birmingham R.S.A.F repair mark. The blade and sawback are undamaged with only light age-related staining. Blade length: 65 ½ cm – overall: 79 ½ cm. See images for the numerous inspection marks. The fish scale grips are intact with minor wear. The leather scabbard is in good order. The stitching and furniture are intact *slight movement in the locket. The frog stud has a Broad Arrow mark. The price includes UK delivery. 22426:52.