English Jacob Rifle Double Socket Sword Bayonet

This is a fascinating Sword bayonet, made for the Jacob Double Barrel Cavalry Carbine. This somewhat outlandish rifle/carbine was designed by the larger-than-life British General John Jacob of the Indian Army. He had intended it to be a highly accurate and useful weapon, however it unfortunately fell short of expectations. It was first introduced in 1854 intended for South Africa. However, supplies were requested by the Malabar Police near Madras India during the same year. In South Africa these were issued to the 12th Lancers who were subsequently posted to Madras. The East India Company then contracted with Swinburn & Sons to supply the SCINDE IRREGULAR HORSE with their own Contract of the John Jacob design Double Barrel Carbines. Originally designed to mount a Sword Bayonet with a doubl...