*British, WW1, 1907 Pattern Lee-Enfield Sword Bayonet, with Original Scabbard and Frog, Made by Wilkinson, Dated August 1918*
Marked on ricasso: Crown GR over 1907 over 8 18 over Wilkinson
Marked on obverse: Broad Arrow, Crown over Y4 over E, Crown over Y over E, X (Bend mark) E
Marked on Scabbard: W
Approximate Measurements:43.3cm blade, 55.5cm overall
This bayonet is in very good condition and is clearly marked. It is marked on one side of the ricasso with a crown cypher over the letters GR (GR – Georgius Rex was used in place of ER from 1910, the Latinised version of his name Edward Rex), the pattern “1907”, the month of manufacture “08”, the year “18” the makers name “Wilkinson”, on the reverse is the X’ bend-test mark, a broad arrow government acceptance mark, and one or more Enfield Royal Small Arms Factory appointed inspector’s marks. The Pattern 1907 bayonet was supplied with a simple leather scabbard fitted with a steel top-mount and chape. Some scabbard producers adopted a round frog stud, which was approved as an option in 1915.
The Pattern 1907 bayonet, officially called the Sword bayonet, pattern 1907 (Mark I), was a British bayonet designed to be used with the Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) rifle. The Pattern 1907 bayonet was used by the British and Commonwealth forces throughout both the First and Second World Wars. The Pattern 1907 bayonet consisted of a one-piece steel blade and tang, with a crossguard and pommel made from wrought iron or mild steel, and a wooden grip secured to the tang by two screws. Originally the bayonet featured a hooked lower quillon intended for trapping an enemy’s bayonet and possibly disarming opponents when grappling. This was later deemed impractical and replaced with a simpler design from 1913.
*Condition*
This bayonet is in excellent condition with the expected patina of a weapon from WW1. It retains most of its original blueing. The grip is also in very good condition with a few minor dents to the cross guard and some loss of blueing to the pommel. The blade fits very snugly in the scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition with the expected wear and tear commensurate of age and service – some rusting to the chape, minor rubbing to the leather, stitching is all intact. The frog is dirty with some loose stitching at the top. Please see pictures for more detail.
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