1856 Yataghan Bayonet

[Buzzbomb]

anyone explain the markings on the hilt an pommel backside on this particular example. Located in New Zealand.



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[Anderson]

This is one of the many Yataghan type bayonets made by the German firm of Kirschbaum for British Imperial forces from late 1860's through the 1870's.
We can also see it has the British Board of Ordinance inspector mark "S" "14". The "S" means Solingen and this was a British Government inspector actually based at the Solingen factory of Kirschbaum. The 1889 would be a contract series number of bayonets supplied while the 79 on the hilt a weapon number for company or regiment level. These bayonets may have begun service with Imperial Regiments then passed on the Volunteer Militias later on in the 1880's.

[Dmir]

The "head of the king" brand is the Weyersberg Brothers. It existed on its own until 1883. We need to see other stamps.

[Anderson]

Quite correct Dmir.

[Buzzbomb]

Ok. This is the only other marking on it.

[Dmir]

Bayonet in New Zealand. He was probably armed there. Bayonets to the artillery carbine were in service in New Zealand at the end of the 19th century. This can explain the two numbers on the handle and the lack of a stamp of military acceptance.
But without careful study of the bayonet (size, shape of the handle,....) it is difficult to draw an accurate conclusion.

[Anderson]

"and the lack of a stamp of military acceptance."

Actually it has two British Board of Ordinance acceptance marks, by two British inspectors based in "S" Solingen. The crown, S, and inspector numbers (14 and 18) shows this was accepted for British military contract. Yataghan bayonets were used by British Regiments in New Zealand in late 1860's and 1870's.



photo of trooper of 40th Infantry Regiment in New Zealand.