*British, WW1, 1907 Pattern Bayonet, Dated 1918, by Wilkinson. With WW2 Scabbard and Frog*
This bayonet is marked on one side of the ricasso with a very faded crown cypher, the pattern “1907”, the year of manufacture “18”, the makers name “Wilkinson”, on the reverse is a broad arrow government acceptance mark, and one or more Royal Small Arms Factory appointed inspector’s marks. The leather scabbard is WW2 with its large round frog stud steel top-mount and chape and the letters M44 on the steel tip. The M44 code indicates J.B. Brooks & Co. of Birmingham. The leather frog has the numbers 88 stamped on the front.
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.
43.5cm blade, 56cm total.
*Condition*
The blade is in good condition commensurate with its age, with some blueing remaining. There are some nicks to the blade and some minor rusting near the tip. The press stud works well. The blade fits snugly in the scabbard which is is in good condition with minor signs of wear and tear. The leather frog is in good condition though the belt loop is broken. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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