*Rare: British, 1888 Pattern Mark II Lee Metford Knife Bayonet, Dated Oct 1899, Made at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (RSAF Enfield)*
Marked on Ricasso: Crown over VR over 10, 99
Marked on Obverse: War Arrow, over EFD, over Crown/45/E over X (Bend mark)
Marked on Spine: Crown/A6/E, Crown/83/E
Approximate Measurements: 29.9cm blade, 41.8cm overall
The iconic Knife bayonet for use with the .303 caliber M1888 Lee-Metford and Long Lee-Enfield rifles used by Canadian and British soldiers in the Boer War and the Boxer Rebellion. This is a very practical fighting bayonet as it has a dagger blade and a very comfortable grip to hold.
This is the 1888 Mark II pattern with its two brass pins central to the grip and the clean-out hole moved to the pommel. It was made at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (RSAF Enfield). Production of the 1888 MK II Pattern bayonet totalled less than half of the MK I type, making this a rare find.
The bayonet blade is double edged and unfullered with a medial ridge running from the ricasso to the blade tip. The blade is nicely marked on the ricasso with a flat ceown above VR and a production date of 10 ’99 (October 1899). The obverse is marked with EFD below the War Department arrow, an Enfield inspection mark and a bend test stamp. The spine also bears two Enfield inspection marks.
*Condition*
Very good condition. Good blade, there is minor pitting but almost invisible to touch when skimming a finger over the blade. Wooden grip is in good condition with expected dings and dents commensurate with age and service. Press button works well. No scabbard. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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