Item:
ONSV21NOS143

Original Rare British Martini-Henry P-1875 Pioneer Sawback Sword Bayonet Modified for Snider Carbine with Scabbard

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition M-1875 Sawback bayonet, originally issued for the British Martini-Henry rifle. These were unfortunately considered too short to combat soldiers on horseback, with only an 18" blade. In 1879 an improved 25 3/4" bladed Saw back Bayonet with a single bar handguard was adopted, replacing the shorter P-1875 bayonet. Most of the earlier bayonets were discarded or salvaged for their steel.

This example however survived, and was modified to fit Snider Carbines, which were still in use in many places. The muzzle ring was made larger, and the back of the hilt hollow ground to fit around the larger snider barrel. We do not know if the existing hilt was modified, or an entirely new hilt was fitted, however the style is very close to what it was originally.

This example bears the manufacturer's logo of a Knight's Helmet (Ritter-helm) on the blade ricasso, the logo of Wilhelm Reinhard. Kirschbaum of Solingen, a member of the well-known Kirschbaum family. He was the son of Carl Reinhard Kirschbaum, who died suddenly in 1870, and took over the business and the trademarks. Wilhelm himself would then pass away suddenly in 1882, after which the family elected to amalgamate with Gebrüder Weyersberg, whose own family head Hermann died in 1883. This formed the famous firm of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co. As part of this agreement the sales and trading portion of Weyersberg continued under numerous brand names. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

Condition of the bayonet is very good, with light overall staining to the once bright steel blade and fittings. There are a few areas of past pitting, now ground out. The reverse ricasso has the WD War Department inspection mark, as well as the "opposed Broad Arrow" sold out of service marking. The grip plates are hard checkered leather over wood, secured by rivets and a long catch spring, and are also in great shape. Bayonet comes complete with steel mounted black leather scabbard.

Please see Watts & White’s fine work, BAYONETS OF THE WORLD, page number 380, item 785. In excellent condition, an extremely rare British Martini-Bayonet, later modified to use with the Snider Carbine. Complete with scabbard and ready to Display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 18”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller and Sawback
Overall length: 23 1/2”
Crossguard: 3 1/2”
Scabbard length: 19"

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