British Pattern 1888 Mk II bayonet and scabbard : Private S J Cossart, Queensland Mounted Infantry

British Pattern 1888 Mark II bayonet and scabbard. The straight crossguard has a muzzle ring with a diameter of 17mm at the top and a small disc finial on the lower end of the crossguard. The hilt has wooden grips secured to the tang with two brass rivets. The pommel's locking bolt has a spiral return spring with press stud on the left side, and a small clearance hole through the sides close to the wooden grip. The blade is long and double edged with a 'diamond' cross section. Stamped on the ricasso on the left side is the maker's name, 'SANDERSON . SHEFFIELD'. Beneath the numerals, '6.00'. The markings on the right side consist of a Broad Arrow and a crown with the letters and numerals, 'S', '26', and 'X'. The scabbard is blackened leather with steel chape and locket. The frog stud is tear shaped and brazed to the locket. The scabbard length is: 320 mm (12.6 inches).

Sidney (also spelt Sydney) Joseph Cossart was born on 24 June 1878 He joined 3 Queensland Mounted Infantry (3 Queensland Bushmen), as a Private, service number 47, in January or February 1900 when the regiment was formed as part of the third Queensland contingent to be sent to South Africa. The Queensland Mounted Infantry left Brisbane on 1 March, 1900 onboard the transport 'Duke of Portland' and arrived at Cape Town on 2 April, 1900. On its arrival in South Africa, 3 Queensland Mounted Infantry was incorporated into the Rhodesian Field Force becoming the 2 Regiment, Private Cossart participated in operations in Rhodesia, the Transvaal, and Orange Free State. The most notable action being the Relief of Mafeking. During his service in Africa he served as Acting Corporal. During May 1901, 3 Queensland Mounted Infantry was relieved from further service in South Africa. Private Cossart returned to Queensland.