This British-made accoutrement is an original angular socket bayonet made for the Model 1853 Enfield musket. The Enfield bayonet has the distinction of being the first universal issue bayonet to the British Army that employed a locking device. Blade was made of the best cast steel and had an iron socket welded to it.
The bayonet with its French-style locking ring has a triangular tapered blade with fullers on each face and was carried in a brass-mounted leather scabbard. Specimen is 20½” long overall with a 17 3/4” long blade and a 3” long socket. Made by Reeves and has Birmingham proof mark stamping on the throat near the socket. Blade bears a very nice fine smooth finish overall. The socket is numbered 3623571. Production of the 1853 pattern socket bayonet continued throughout the life of the Enfield muzzleloader.