This rare volunteer pattern 1855 Sappers and Miners “Lancaster” Bayonet in excellent condition.
In 1855, the Sappers and miners (later Engineers) adopted the bar on barrel, oval bore Lancaster carbine as their primary weapon and the P1855 bayonet was produced to accompany it.
The P1855 is a very distinctive bayonet with a pipe backed blade and quill point. Possibly one of the best looking bayonets produced for the British army. The popular and growing volunteer movement within the UK during the 1850’s resulted in a commercial model of the Lancaster bayonet being produced for the Volunteer and colonial markets. This bayonet is one such example and is identical to the service pattern but without the government ownership and inspection marks.
The unmarked 602mm pipe back blade is in excellent condition.
The iconic brass cross guard and bird-beak pommel are in excellent condition. The cross guard is stamped with v3 and a corresponding v3 is stamped on the scabbard throat.
The end of the beaked pommel bears the issue number 11 and 23D5. The side of the pommel is marked to the 10th Company of the 80th (Staffordshire Volunteers) Regiment of Foot. The press-stud and external spring catch are in working order. The presence of a screw retaining the leaf spring indicates that the bayonet was produced after 1858. Prior to 1858 the spring was fixed in place with a rivet. The chequered leather grip scales are in good condition.
The bayonet is complete with its matching volunteer pattern brass mounted leather scabbard. The volunteer pattern scabbard differs from the service pattern by having slightly different shaping to the locket and chape and in lacking a decorative ridge around the bottom of the chape. The leather of the scabbard is in good condition with some slight crazing and marks to the original finish. The stitching is intact and tight. The brass furniture is in good condition and the mouth of the locket is stamped with v3. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is an excellent example of a rare and iconic British 1855 pattern Lancaster carbine bayonet with unit markings to the 10th Company of the 80th (Staffordshire Volunteers) Regiment of Foot.
