British Pattern 1856 Saber Bayonet for Enfield .577 Caliber Rifle

British Pattern 1856 Saber Bayonet for Enfield .577 Caliber Rifle
This is an original British-made Pattern 1856 saber bayonet, designed for use with the Enfield .577 caliber short rifle. Produced in the mid-19th century, this bayonet features the distinctive Yataghan-style blade, a design popular in Europe at the time for its curved, slashing profile.
 
The blade measures 28 inches in overall length and includes a single 15-inch fuller on each side. While no visible maker’s stamps remain—likely worn away due to age and oxidation—the form and construction are consistent with standard British military issue during the period. The steel surface exhibits pitting and areas of rust, indicative of its age and field use.
 
The grip panels are checkered black leather, mounted to the steel tang with rivets. The leather is in poor condition, with one side barely intact and heavy wear throughout. The rear of the hilt is stamped with the number “63”, possibly a rack or unit number, though further research would be required to determine its exact significance.
 
This bayonet would have originally accompanied the Pattern 1856 Enfield short rifle, a weapon used by British rifle regiments and specialist units such as engineers and artillerymen. The Pattern 1856 bayonet saw extensive service in conflicts such as the Crimean War and the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and was widely exported, including to both Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War.
 
Despite its worn condition, this piece remains a tangible artifact from a significant era of military history and would make a compelling addition to any collection of 19th-century arms and militaria.