*British, 1887 Pattern MK1 Martini Henry Sword Bayonet and Scabbard, Dated 1888*
Approximate measurements: 45cm blade, 60cm overall
This 1887 Pattern Mk1 bayonet made at Enfield, has a single-edged spear-pointed blade with a flat spine and short single fuller on both sides and a double edge at the tip. The grips are attached by four rivets on one side and three and the external spring screw on the other. Stepped crossguard. The bayonet has a faint crowned VR cypher with manufacture date of /88 and conversion or reissue date of ’98. The obverse is WD marked, along with Enfield inspection markings. The tang has a BR (Birmingham) repair inspection mark. Nepalese script to the crossbar.
Steel mounted black leather scabbard with inspection marks. Nepalese script to the top mount.
Many of the pattern 1887 MK1 Martini-Henry Sword bayonets began life as a pattern 1886 Enfield-Martini MK11 bayonet. On 10th July 1888 the old P1886 was renamed as the Pattern 1887 MK1. The crossguard and muzzle rings were replaced with a more streamlined cross guard with a stepped muzzle ring. Typically converted bayonets have a crossed out EM on the ricasso and a C next to the reissue date, this one does not – so we can speculate that either this was was first issued on 1888 as an 1886 Bayonet and then converted to an 1887 pattern bayonet in 1898 OR that it was first issued as an 1887 pattern bayonet in 1888 and then reissued in 1898 for foreign service. Either way this is a fascinating slice of history.
Marked on ricasso: Crown (faint) over VR over /88, .98, and inspection marks – Crown over E over indistinct 53 (E = Enfield Royal Small Arms Factory (R.S.A.F.) inspection mark)
Marked on obverse ricasso: X bend test mark over war arrow over WD (War Department), inspection marks – Crown over E over 45
Marked on spine: inspection marks – Crown over E over 60, Crown over E over 9
Marked on tang: N over 1 over 1, inspection marks – Crown over BR over 86 (or 36) (BR is Birmingham R.S.A.F. repair mark), J.M., Crown over E over 58
Marked on pommel: 11847
Marked on cross bar: Nepalese script
Scabbard: marked on throat: 5913
Marked on locket: Nepalese script, Crown over 25 and X on the obverse, Marked on Chape
Marked on tip: 8
*Condition*
This sword bayonet and scabbard are in very good condition given their age and service. The leather grips are original. The press button works well. There is some darkening to the blade and minor chips but overall the item presents well. The scabbard fits securely. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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