British Ordnance issue Pattern 1895 socket bayonet to fit the .303” Martini Metford / Martini Enfield service rifles.
£225
British Ordnance issue Pattern 1895 socket bayonet to fit the .303” Martini Metford / Martini Enfield service rifles. Blued socket with high fore sight loop and locking collar, the slots adapted so as the bayonet sits below the barrel when fitted rather than to the side as on the .450” Martini’s. Fullered tri corn blade struck with Broad Arrow WD Ordnance ownership mark next to an Enfield inspection stamp and opposed broad arrow sold from service marks over 1 ’96 for conversion to .303” model in January 1896. In its regulation issue MkII Pattern 1876 two rivet brass mounted leather scabbard. Adapted from the Pattern 1876 bayonets issued with the .450” Martini the 1895 bayonet has a high sight loop to allow for the higher fore sight of the .303” weapons as well as a slot adapted to mount the bayonet blade below the barrel when fitted. Like the 1876 it was an effective stabbing weapon in bayonet fighting and saw wide service with troops serving in India where the .303” Martinis were issued, while the more modern bolt action arms were issued to front line British regiments. In good condition with nice clean well marked blade, socket with working ring retaining much original blued finish in a nice scabbard with all intact stitching.
