Original Item: The Pattern 1876 Socket Bayonet is an improved and redesigned Pattern 1853. It was the opinion of many that the Pattern 1853 was too short to make an effective fighting weapon when attached to the rifle. As a result, the Pattern 1876 was lengthened nearly five inches. The cross sectional shape of the 1876 was made equiangular, rather than being wider on the top as was the 1853. Also, since this bayonet was only to be used with breech loading arms, the outward curve was omitted.
This bayonet was also referred to as the “Long Common Socket Bayonet”. Many of these were later converted for use on .303 Caliber Martinis by cutting down and bushing the socket. The sockets were bored, reslotted and a new locking ring, stop and screw installed. After conversion, these bayonets hung below the rifle, instead of to the side. Converted 1876s are sometimes referred to as the 1896 Pattern, but the correct designation is “Bayonet, Martini-Enfield, Triangular”.
Genuine British manufactured 21 inch bayonet comes with locking ring and brass mounted leather scabbard. Markings vary but all bayonets will bear British makers and dates. Most also have Nepalese arsenal markings. We cannot honor requests for bayonets without Nepalese Markings.
Three scabbards were used with the 1876, the MkI, MkII and the MkIII. The MkI scabbard had three rivets on the…
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