*British, Martini-Henry Yataghan Cadet/Training Sword Bayonet & Scabbard, with Regimental Markings 95 L.R. Battalion*
Approx measurements: Blade 33cm, Overall 46.5cm
Marked on the ricasso: Indistinct – War Arrow, S8
Marked on obverse: Indistinct – 2/88, E, 7 98 (Probable Date)
Marked on the crosspiece: 95 LRB
Marked on the tang: S8 J Baker H N
Marked on smaller tang – G C
Marked on scabbard throat – 7
The Martini Henry Cadet bayonet, particularly in its modified form, is a fascinating piece of military history that reflects the adaptability and resourcefulness of the British military during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A rare Ordnance-issue Martini Henry Cadet bayonet complete with its original steel-mounted leather scabbard. The hilt features riveted chequered leather grips, a release catch on the left side of the pommel, and a flat spring on the right. The tang is marked with various military issue and inspection stamps. The crossguard’s barrel loop is modified to fit the .577/450” Martini Henry service rifle, with the pommel milled to accommodate the bayonet boss of the Martini. The 13-inch fullered blade, cut down from a Yataghan Sword bayonet, bears a Broad Arrow WD mark on the right side and an indistinct “2/88” Enfield inspection mark and “7 98,” likely indicating conversion to the Martini fitting in 1898, on the left.
The bayonet comes in its regulation steel-mounted black leather scabbard, originally designed for a Yataghan bayonet but shortened to match the Cadet bayonet’s length. These bayonets were initially manufactured to fit the Ordnance issue two-band Enfield rifles and later the Sniders used by elite rifle regiments. They were modified in service to fit the Martini Henry rifles and reissued. When the Martini was replaced by .303” Lee rifles, the bayonets were further shortened to 13 inches.
These bayonets, with their appropriately shortened scabbards, were issued with MkII Martini Henry cavalry carbines to cadets. Often, the carbine barrels were saw-cut at the knox form to prevent the firing of live rounds. These bayonets saw service from the 1860s through the Great War and beyond, particularly with cadet units and public schools’ officer cadet units.
*Condition*
In good condition with good press chequered leather grips and a clean blade. Good scabbard with all intact stitching. A rare British issue bayonet. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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