Pattern 1853 Enfield Socket Bayonet - Canadian Militia Connection?

[ColonelKlink1942]

Hey gang,

 

Firstly, I'm posting my bayonet and sword collection in this forum section of the site (as it's dedicated to such things), but if they don't belong here, please tell me where to post them. Let's begin, shall we?

 

Starting with the first bayonet I ever purchased, this Pattern 1853 Enfield socket bayonet. I do apologize for the condition that it's in, and the fact that I only have two photos that I can post, the rest are too large, so this is all I've got for now. I didn't have a variety to pick from when I purchased this in 2022, nor did I have a proper understanding of the importance of the condition and quality of the bayonet. I was enamored with the bayonet and it ultimately sparked my obsession with collecting bayonets ever since.

 

It has the Enfield inspection marking "E over Crown over 13" on the Ricasso, "13" being the inspector's number. On the socket (not photographed), is "39 over 283", which would signify "39th Regiment, 283rd rifle". If it belonged to a British regiment, it would be the British 39th Regiment of Foot (or Dorsetshire Regiment), having returned to British North America and being temporarily stationed here between 1856-1859, in theory being rearmed for the Crimean War. Otherwise, this bayonet may have been issued to the Canadian 39th Norfolk Battalion of Rifles, and while I'm hoping it would've been right around the time the regiment was being raised in 1866 around the period of the Fenian Raids, it could very well have been issued to them several years later.

 

I think I have narrowed it down to being issued to the Canadian Militia, but it's still something I ponder once in a while since I don't have any military inventory records to back it up.

 

Photos below:

[Bruce Pennington]

14 hours ago, ColonelKlink1942 said:

t I only have two photos that I can post, the rest are too large,

Hi Col.!

Thanks for sharing your collection.  I just collect swords, but going to enjoy seeing your full collection.  For some strange reason, swords don't bother me, but the idea of a bayonet give me the heeby-geebies!  It runs my imagination too vividly.

 

On sizing.  I haven't had to use them, but there are several free online sites you can resize your photos.  Guys over at NMB recommend them, so they must work.  Try one of these: Free Online Photo Resizers