"Martini-Enfield"
Socket Bayonet
This is a socket bayonet manufactured from the period beginning 1895 and used to about 1906.
They are typically British in design in that they have a blade "shoulder" and are shallow fullered,
whereas American bayonets of the period were without a shoulder and had very deep fullers
that extended out the back of the blade.
These are attached by fitting them over the barrel muzzle, and fastened into position by means of a mortise slot and locking ring.
All metal construction.
These were designed to fit the .303" caliber Martini-Enfield Rifle.
On this specimen: blade length is 22" and the muzzle diameter is ~0.70" (internal).
Scabbards were leather with brass throat and drag; these scabbards also had a sheet-metal and/or wooden insert to strengthen the leather body.
Some differences in common British socket bayonets:
- The 1853 "3-Band" Enfield Socket Bayonet has a common blade-length of 17" to 18" (although longer has been noted on American specimens); the socket internal diameter is ~.781"; the socket-length is ~3". This bayonet - when attached - rests to the right of the barrel-muzzle. The "sight-bridge" is in-line with the blade.
- The 1876 Martini-Henry Socket Bayonet has a blade-length of ~22"; the socket internal diameter is ~.718"; the socket-length is ~3". This bayonet - when attached - rests to the right of the barrel-muzzle. The "sight-bridge" is in-line with the blade.
- The 1895 Martini-Enfield Socket Bayonet has a blade-length of ~22"; the socket internal diameter is ~.656"; the socket-length is ~3". This bayonet - when attached - rests under the barrel-muzzle. The "sight-bridge" is not in-line with the blade, but at 90 degrees to it (this is the easiest way to identify the Pattern 1895).
