*British, WW1-WW2, Pattern 1907 Bayonet, 2nd Battalion “The Buffs” Marked, Matching Scabbard & White Buff Frog, Issued '18, '32, '37*
A fine and complete British Pattern 1907 bayonet with scabbard and frog. The bayonet has a blade length of 43.3 cm and overall length of 55.3 cm, fitted with two-piece wooden grips secured by screws. The ricasso bears clear Crown/GR cypher, Enfield inspection marks, and dates of ’09 ’18, ’32, and ’37, showing original WWI issue with interwar re-inspection and reissue.
The pommel is regimentally stamped 2. BUFFS / 193, with the same number 193 repeated on the scabbard throat, making this a true matching set. The scabbard is of black leather with steel locket and chape, marked with the manufacturer's logo W.J.M in a diamond. It retains its period white buff leather frog, of riveted construction, likely associated with full dress or parade equipment. The press-stud catch functions crisply, and the bayonet sits firmly in the scabbard.
History Note:
The Pattern 1907 Bayonet
Adopted officially in 1908 for use with the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, the Pattern 1907 bayonet saw widespread service in both World Wars. Its long 17-inch blade was designed to restore reach lost with the adoption of the shorter SMLE rifle. Early examples featured hooked quillons (removed after 1913), while later wartime production simplified markings and finish. By the Second World War, many bayonets were refurbished and reissued, as seen in this example with inspection stamps from 1918, 1932, and 1937. These bayonets remained in service into the 1950s before being gradually replaced by shorter blade patterns.
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
One of the oldest regiments in the British Army, The Buffs trace their lineage back to 1572. Nicknamed for the distinctive buff-coloured facings of their uniforms, the regiment earned an illustrious record through centuries of service. During the First World War, The Buffs fought on the Western Front, Salonika, and the Middle East. In the Second World War, the 2nd Battalion saw action in France in 1940, before later service in North Africa, Sicily, and Northwest Europe. Regimental markings such as seen here — “2. BUFFS / 193” — tied bayonets to specific battalions and weapon numbers, making surviving matched examples highly sought after.
The Scabbard – W.J.M Mark
The scabbard throat and chape carry the W.J.M-in-diamond stamp, recorded by collectors on WWI-period Pattern 1907 scabbards. Although the precise contractor has not been conclusively identified in published references, this mark is recognised as genuine and relatively uncommon, appearing on a small percentage of surviving scabbards. Its presence here, together with the matching numbered throat, strengthens the originality and appeal of this set.
White Buff Leather Frog
The white buff frog is a less commonly encountered fitting. Buff leather equipment was issued for full-dress and ceremonial use, particularly pre-war and in regiments with long traditions such as The Buffs. Its presence on this set may reflect regimental practice in maintaining bayonets for both service and parade use, giving additional significance to the piece.
*Condition*
The bayonet is in very good condition. The blade is full length with a bright surface and legible ricasso markings, showing multiple service issue dates. The grips are intact with light service wear and secure screws. The pommel press-stud operates correctly. The scabbard leather is sound with age wear and light scuffs, metal fittings with patina but no major damage. The matching regimental numbering is crisp and clear on both bayonet and scabbard throat. The buff leather frog shows service use but remains complete and structurally sound. Overall, a desirable, complete, and correctly matched example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAEOXBEO_2249212666
