1844 Socket Bayonet

Description

British 1844  Socket Bayonet Designed For Lovell’s Patent Bayonet Catch Percussion Rifle – Durham Militaria

An original British 1844 socket bayonet, which was designed to fit Lovell’s 1844 Patent bayonet catch on the 1844 Pattern percussion rifle, as used by the Durham Militia. This rare bayonet has DM 397 impressed in capital letters on the socket. The triangular blade has a crisp impressed inspection mark on the flat section of the blade towards the lug, which consists of the Crown with B16 beneath followed by the letters EX. The lug also has a sighting notch to allow a view of the sight when the bayonet was fitted to the rifle. The blade length is 432 mm and its overall length including the socket is 530 mm.

The socket bayonet is in very good condition with only slight rusting and comes with its customised wooden handle, which was used to hold the bayonet in the Militia belt.