English M 1855 Sappers & Miners bayonet, first model, by Enfield. (ABCN 1944-1)(K 0)(JN 0)
English M 1855 oval bore Lancaster carbine. First model. Serial number: 26 on pommel. Excellent long bright finished pipe back blade marked: /I\ over WD and Enfield inspection marking Crown over 20 on the ricasso. Excellent brass pommel. Makers trademark S & S and EP on pommel. Side of the pommel is unit marked: L over D3 over 59. Pommel with short mortise and T-slot. Excellent external spring fixed with a rivet (=First model). Excellent+ black checkered leather grips, fixed by tree steel rivets both crisp Enfield marked: Crown over E over 9. Excellent brass crossguard with muzzle ring with cock comb. MRD 20. mm. and a straight quillon with final.
No scabbard.
The by Charles Lancaster of London develloped and Birmingham produced unique oval bored carbine and its bayonet was adopted by the corps "Sappers and Miners" in 1855. The bayonet is often called so. In 1857 the corps name Sappers and Miners was changed into The Royal Engineers and the bayonet was called: "Lancaster bayonet" .There were only approx. 10.000 Lancaster bayonets ever produced, but many survived.