Question for the hive mind. Enfield sword bayonet.

[WillieB]

Judging by this picture the sword bayonet on an 1853 Enfield was mounted to the side with the blade parallel to the ground?



Is that correct?

Thanks very much for any help!

[VonAkers]

Hi Willie B

I have a Martini Enfield in my Collection.
The  bayonet looks nothing Like that.
Cheers

[VonAkers]

Willie B
Mate I just had another look at My Martini Enfield.
The bayonet is socketed , ( like a bayonet light globe ) twist and push down ...sorted.. cmon Mr Zulu ..
The Bayonet is 58 cm ( nearly two foot long ) , and is  triangle shaped , scalloped out , and tapers to the point.
I am not expert but your picture looks to me as being more modern / ceremonial ?
Hope this Helps
Cheers 

[MaleGriffin]

In 1856, a sword bayonet was accepted for use by sergeants on 1853 pattern Enfield Rifled Musket. You can see the locking lug just ahead of the nose cap.

[WillieB]

Yes, that's the one. I should have made clear it was for the 1853 Enfield.

But as you can see the locking lug is on the side and the sword ( bayonet is hollow at the top) the only way to attach it would be sideways with the blade horizontal to the ground. Otherwise the ramrod would interfere?
I haven't been able to find any illustration with the sword bayonet mounted.
Come to think of it the "normal' socket bayonet for the three band Enfield is also sort of side mounted?

[Plynkes]

Hi Willie B

I have a Martini Enfield in my Collection.
The  bayonet looks nothing Like that.
Cheers

VonAkers, an 1853 Enfield and a Martini-Enfield are completely different guns. The former is a rifled musket, the latter is a Martini-Henry re-barrelled to take .303 ammo in the late 19th/early 20th Century.

[WillieB]

Found it!

On a US  site no less.
Mounted sideways as we thought.

[Galloping Major]

Yes, almost  the 1858 (often referred to as 1856) "2 band" Enfield (as shown) and the 1861 artillery carbine both used the sword bayonet with the "grip" fitting onto the lug at the right side of the barrel. The p1853 was the "3 band" which used a triangular socket bayonet.


1853 3 band

1858 2 band - cutlass type sword bayonet at the top was Naval issue

1861 carbine/musketoon, used the same sword bayonet as the 1858

I have rifled repros of the 1853 amd 1860 on my FAC, both excellent, but don't have an 1858 to show with bayonet attached.

Cheers,
Lance

www.gallopingmajorwargames.co.uk

[Diablo Jon]

Here is an article on British Sniders (which in effect are breech loading Enfields) if you scroll down there is a section on Bayonets used which suggests that the sword bayonets where fitted to the right hand side. It Also Backs up lances post above about short 2 band sniders getting sword bayonets.


https://militaria.british-classic-motorcycles.co.uk/index.php/snider-enfield/#:~:text=However%2C%20the%202-band%20Snider%20rifles%20were%20fitted%20with,use%20ram%20rod%20during%20loading%20of%20the%20P53.