British Pattern 1858 Cutlass Bayonet

British Pattern 1858 cutlass bayonet with a long curved blade and a double edge for about 280 mm to tip. Blade stamped A&E.H within an oval and has a Solingen proof mark. Muzzle ring diameter: 20.5 mm; Method of fixing: Muzzle ring, and mortise slot in the pommel fitted with a locking bolt. Large steel hand guard, polished on the outside and lacquered on the inside. There is a slot in the guard near the pommel for a sword knot and the guard increases in width from about 15 mm at the pommel to 115 mm. The muzzle ring is topped by a disc finial. Four rivets secure the checkered leather grips to the hilt, three being visible on the right side and four on the left. There is a press stud for the locking bolt on the left side of the pommel with a leaf spring on the opposite side secured by a screw. The cutlass is contained in a blackened leather scabbard, with a steel chape and locket. A tear shaped frog stud has been brazed to the locket and the chape and locket are attached to the leather by wire staples. Scabbard length: 678 mm (26.7 inches).

This type of bayonet was used by the Royal Navy and Australian Colonial Naval units. It would have fitted the Pattern 1858 Enfield naval rifle and the Snider Enfield Naval Rifle.