When Martini Henry rifles first became general issue, the absence of an approved sword bayonet meant that existing bayonets for the Enfield rifle had to be adapted to fit. This involved the re-working of the Enfield Pattern 1856 yataghan bayonet by bushing the muzzle diameter to suit the Martini Henry and grinding a mortised slot into the pommel to accommodate the bayonet band. This re-worked bayonet was then designated the Pattern 1860 Yataghan sword bayonet for the Martini Henry.
Initially, this Yataghan sword bayonet was standard issue to NCO's and rifle regiments.
This bayonet is in overall good condition with age and use related wear to the grips and small areas of tarnish on the blade and steel of the hilt. The press-stud and spring locking mechanism works perfectly.
The 58 cm yataghan blade has a single edge with a flat spine and deep single fuller on each side. The muzzle ring has been bushed to an internal diameter of 18mm.
This bayonet was made by the Solingen (Germany) based company of Weyersberg & Kirschbaum as indicated by the polished out knight's head maker's mark and the S4 Solingen inspection stamps on the ricasso and spine. The bayonet was reworked and bushed for the Martini Henry rifle by the Birmingham Small Arms Factory (BSAF).
