Product Details
AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE BRITISH 'ELCHO' SAW-BACK BAYONET FOR THE MARTINI-HENRY SERVICE RIFLE,
circa 1872, with elongated leaf-shaped spear-point 19 3/4in. blade, broad fullers for two-thirds of its length on both sides, saw-backed for half its length, stamped at the ricasso 'WD' with a broad arrow and an ordnance mark, the reverse with a Victorian crown over 'VR', straight iron cross-guard with muzzle-ring and swollen quillion, chequered composite grips and iron pommel, no scabbard
Other Notes: A distinctive and unusual bayonet designed by Lord Elcho, its purpose was more geared around hacking shrubbery and sawing wood than being a true fighting weapon. It proved to be unwieldy when fitted to a rifle and encumbering to carry making it extremely unpopular with the troops. Few were produced and even fewer issued, although ironically its design inspired the later German Mauser 'Butcher' saw-back bayonet
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Estimate £800-1,200