This is the British Pattern 1876 Henry-Martini bayonet made famous in the Zulu Wars of 1879. Also referred to as the "Long Common Socket Bayonet", the Pattern 1876 Socket Bayonet is an improved and redesigned Pattern 1853. In the era of "reach" field strategies for infantry, it was the opinion of many that the Pattern 1853 was too short to make an effective fighting weapon when attached to the rifle. As a result, the Pattern 1876 was lengthened nearly five inches. The cross sectional shape of the 1876 was made equiangular, rather than being wider on the top as was the 1853. Also, since this bayonet was only to be used with breech loading arms, the outward curve was omitted.