085B-C-001 British Patt. 1858 Short Rifle Sword Bayonet

This is a sword bayonet manufactured from the period of 1858 to about 1878. They are typically British in design, in that it has pressed-leather grips, “cock’s-comb” upper finial, with lower “button” finial. These are attached by fitting the “muzzle-ring” over the barrel muzzle, and fastening the pommel to a bar (lug) on the barrel or lug on a steel band. This example attaches to a bar on a barrel band. The main difference between the Pattern 1856 and the 1858 is: the 1856 attaches to a bar (or lug) on the barrel and has a muzzle ring in which the inner diameter is in line with the tang of the blade; the 1858 attaches to a bar on a barrel-band and has a muzzle ring in which the inner diameter stands off about 1/8″ above the blade tang (about 1/4″ above the blade back edge). Metal furniture is iron (steel); latch is of external spring-steel type with integral push-button; grips are of black pressed-leather. These were designed to fit the .577″ caliber Enfield “2-band” Rifled Infantry Short-Muskets of the period. Blade length is about 23″ and muzzle ring diameter is ~7/8″ (internal). Scabbards were black leather with steel furniture (throat and drag).