a puzzle

Jim McDougall · 1st September 2024, 06:02 PM

Gen. John Jacob (1812-1858) formed Scinde Irregular Horse and was in command of Second Scinde Irregular Horse (known colloquially as 'Jacobs Horse').
While as I mentioned, the cavalry often used carbines such as the 2nd Pattern Victoria percussion carbine or the Paget carbine of Napoleonic period.
Jacob developed the 'Jacobs Double Barrel Rifle' in 1856 which had the unusual sword bayonet, which was as long as the carbine itself.
These are extremely rare , as few were made and they were never officially accepted for use in the Indian army.

However it is noted "a number of variations are encountered in the RANGE of Jacob's bayonets, and it appears that some volunteer regiments adopted the rifle and bayonet for use" ("The Collectors Pictorial Book of Bayonets", F.Stephens, 1971, #61 (p.37).

One such regiment was 1st Regt of Jacobs Rifles, which though obviously having nothing to do with the Scinde Cavalry suggests he (Jacob) had interests in foot units as well.

It seems that Jacob was a most innovative officer and clearly was designing various versions of the bayonet and the rifles being used.

The thing is, the government inspection stamp (crowned 2) as well as the distinct back fuller, suggesting this was a blade from a hanger (?)......the weapons to the EIC were not government inspected as this was a private enterprise.
Why would someone repurpose a hanger blade to produce a munitions grade bayonet?

Those are the concerns, while the other markings remain compelling.

1st September 2024, 06:02 PM	#13
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,941	JACOBS HORSE Gen. John Jacob (1812-1858) formed Scinde Irregular Horse and was in command of Second Scinde Irregular Horse (known colloquially as 'Jacobs Horse'). While as I mentioned, the cavalry often used carbines such as the 2nd Pattern Victoria percussion carbine or the Paget carbine of Napoleonic period. Jacob developed the 'Jacobs Double Barrel Rifle' in 1856 which had the unusual sword bayonet, which was as long as the carbine itself. These are extremely rare , as few were made and they were never officially accepted for use in the Indian army. However it is noted "a number of variations are encountered in the RANGE of Jacob's bayonets, and it appears that some volunteer regiments adopted the rifle and bayonet for use" ("The Collectors Pictorial Book of Bayonets", F.Stephens, 1971, #61 (p.37). One such regiment was 1st Regt of Jacobs Rifles, which though obviously having nothing to do with the Scinde Cavalry suggests he (Jacob) had interests in foot units as well. It seems that Jacob was a most innovative officer and clearly was designing various versions of the bayonet and the rifles being used. The thing is, the government inspection stamp (crowned 2) as well as the distinct back fuller, suggesting this was a blade from a hanger (?)......the weapons to the EIC were not government inspected as this was a private enterprise. Why would someone repurpose a hanger blade to produce a munitions grade bayonet? Those are the concerns, while the other markings remain compelling. Attached Images