*1907 Patent, 1915 MK11 Ross Rifle Bayonet*
This Canadian bayonet is marked on the side of the pommel ‘Ross Rifle Co. Quebec. Patented 1907′, it has the serial number E1698 on the top of the pommel, the War arrow marking, the numbers ’11, 8/15’ on the other side. The Crown cypher and a 4 are present on the wooden grip and the tang, suggesting that this bayonet was made for use with the Lee-Enfield. The leather scabbard bears the engraving ‘MK 11, 1916, and the initials RR’ on the tip. The scabbard is leather with internal mounts and an integral belt hanger. Scabbards were all made Hugh Carson Company Ltd. of Ottawa. Early examples are marked “RRC” (Ross Rifle Co.).
The Ross Rifle Bayonet was designed for use with the Ross Rifle, a Canadian-made military rifle used during the early 20th century. During the Second Boer War (1899–1902), a minor diplomatic fight broke out between Canada and the United Kingdom, after the latter refused to license the Lee–Enfield SMLE design for production in Canada. Sir Charles Ross offered to finance the construction of a factory in Canada to produce his newly designed straight-pull rifle for Canadian service. This offer was accepted by the Liberal government of Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Ross was awarded his first contract in 1903 for 12,000 Mark I Ross rifles. Routine inspection before operational testing found 113 defects bad enough to warrant rejection. The Ross rifle was modified to correct these faults and became the Mark II Ross (Model 05 (1905)). In 1907, the Mk II was further modified to handle the higher pressure of newly designed .280 Ross, this variant was called Mk II. On 12 June 1915, due to further issues with the rifle the 1st Canadian Division replaced all its Ross rifles with Enfields. Between 1914–17 approximately 65,000 Ross Mk. III rifles and Mk. II bayonets were made for a British contract. These bayonets and scabbards bear British inspection and acceptance marks.
*Condition*
The 10inch blade is in good condition, as is the pommel with only a few minor nicks to the grip. The release button works nicely. The leather scabbard is is good condition with a few minor cracks commensurate with its age and usage. The throat provides a secure and protective fit for the bayonet blade. The leather is stitched with an integral belt hanger. Please see photographs which form part of the condition report.
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