This rare British 1853 Mk II sword bayonet was made for the Model 1853 artillery carbine. Most Mk II pattern artillery bayonets were supplied by trade contracts in the UK and Solingen. This example was made by the Solingen based firm of Weyersberg.
The 582mm yataghan blade has a flat spine and broad single fuller on both sides. The recurved blade is double-edged for the last 155mm. The blade was service sharpened and is in very good condition with some tiny edge nicks. The ricasso is stamped with the Weyersberg king’s head logo. The obverse ricasso bears the War Department WD and Broad Arrow above a Solingen-based British inspector’s mark. The spine is also stamped with a Solingen inspection mark.
The steel crosspiece is stamped with the unit marking, D over V. E. C1. With the issue/weapon number 550. The press-stud and external spring locking mechanism work perfectly. The leather grip scales are in very good condition.
The bayonet is complete with its matching steel scabbard with oval frog stud. The frog stud bears a matching weapon/issue number, 550. The scabbard is in good condition and is rust free with some cleaned, shallow pitting. The top of the scabbard is stamped with a WD and Broad Arrow above a Solingen inspection mark. The ball finial at the foot of the scabbard bears a letter P stamp.
This is a very good example of a rarely found British 1853 Mk II artillery sword bayonet.
