TOPIC:

For many years I have owned a cutlass bayonet which has no markings whatsoever. At the time of acquisition I was told that this type (which differs markedly from the British Pattern 1871 and 1879 cutlass bayonets) was made for and issued to the Natal Naval Volunteers, probably in the 1870s.

Can anyone assist please with further information or references?

Thanks.

Is there anyway that you can please provide a few pictures..... Mike

Hi

The South African Military History journal Vol 15 no 6 of Dec 2012 And Vols 16 no 1 of 2013 has an article in 2 parts illustrating various carbines and bayonets used in Natal. Including a photo of a cutlass bayonet used in Natal earlier than the Boer War which may be similar. Markings are also shown. These articles can be viewed online .
Regards
Adrian

Many thanks for the replies. Attached (in series) are some photographs in which I have included a P1859 (Second Type) cutlass bayonet for the purposes of comparison. The unknown version I have is noticeably lighter.

The articles on the SA Military History Journal refer to the P1871 cutlass bayonet, which is different to that which I have. No mention is made of a bespoke manufacture.

Regards,

Charles