Confederate numbered P1853 Martini Socket Bayonet by Richard & William Aston of Birmingham with leather scabbard

*Confederate numbered P1853 Martini Socket Bayonet by Richard & William Aston of Birmingham with leather scabbard*

This 1853 pattern bayonet was the common socket bayonet used by nearly every British infantryman of the day. The blade has a slight downward curve to allow for easier reloading of the muzzle-loading Pattern 1853 rifle. The blade measures 43.5cm. Tubular iron socket with high bridge at rear, Triangular blade tapering towards narrow down-turned point. All three sides of blade are fullered. This example bears hand engraved inventory numbers on the socket indicative of Southern service. 23d/751 plus some markings on the ricasso that suggest it was made by Richard & William Aston. The firm of Richard & William Aston was a long time Birmingham based gunmaker who not only produced complete arms, but also supplied gun locks, gun furniture, ramrods, bayonets and gun tools to the trade.

During the American Civil War, the Confederacy acquired hundreds of thousands of British Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Muskets, with estimates suggesting between 300,000 and 400,000 guns. Each musket was ordered as part of a "stand of arms" and included a socket bayonet. The 1853 Pattern Enfield socket bayonet, became widely used by Confederate infantrymen. Only a small percentage of Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle muskets bear markings that identify them as Confederate purchases, such as engraved inventory numbers on the upper tang of the brass butt plate.

The scabbard is of black leather with brass fittings. The scabbard is marked to one end with number 410.

*Condition*
The bayonet is in overall good antique condition with remnants of bluing. The scabbard is broken and not in good condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.