This pattern 1856/58 British export sword bayonet was made for the Model 1853, .577 calibre Enfield rifled infantry short-musket. These rifles and bayonets were sold in large numbers to both the Union and Confederate armies during the American Civil War. This bayonet was produced by Chavasse, a known exporter to the Confederacy.
The 581mm yataghan blade has a flat spine and broad single fuller on both sides. The recurved (Yataghan) blade is double-edged for the last 160mm. The blade is in excellent condition with some small and very minor patches of pale tarnish. The ricasso bears the maker’s name, “Chavasse." Horace Chavasse was a British maker, based in Birmingham, England. Chavasse made bayonets are scarce as he only traded from 1860-1868. Horace Chavasse was known to have been a supporter of the Confederacy and exported these yataghan sword bayonets to the Confederate forces during The American Civil War.
The iconic steel crosspiece with cockscomb and button finials is bright and free of rust. The interior of the muzzle ring is flush with the tang of the blade and there is no lead to the mortice slot, indicating that this is the 1856/58 re-worked model. The early 1856 pattern bayonets have a short lead to the mortice slot. The internal muzzle ring diameter is approximately 20.5mm.
The press-stud and external spring locking mechanism work perfectly and the sharply beaked pommel bears a partially struck “?. H.” over the number 25. The leather grip scales are in very good condition with minimal wear from age and use.
The bayonet is complete with its original leather scabbard with steel mounts. The scabbard is in very good condition with loss to its original finish. The steel furniture is free of rust or damage, with a couple of tiny patches of very shallow pitting. The leather is in excellent condition and the stitching is intact and tight. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very good example of a P1856/58 yataghan sword bayonet made for the export market by a known supporter of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
