This excellent British pattern 1888 Mk II Lee Enfield Rifle Bayonet was made by the Wilkinson Sword Company. Production of the Mk II pattern 1888 bayonet began in 1899 and totalled less than half that of the Mk I type II, making it harder to find today.
This desirable bayonet is in excellent condition and has a post 1920 Australian Defence Department stamp on the scabbard. The presence of an A.4. stamp on the scabbard of this bayonet could indicate Australian artillery issue.
The muzzle ring diameter on this bayonet is approximately 15mm, 1mm smaller than on the standard P1888 bayonet. The smaller muzzle ring diameter of this bayonet indicates that it was made for use with one of the numerous variants of the Martini rifle/carbine.
The 304mm double-edged blade is marked on the ricasso with the maker’s details, “WILKINSON.”
The obverse ricasso is marked with an arrow and a bend test stamp. The lack of British royal cypher and government inspection marks indicates that the bayonet was made for commercial sale, although the arrow stamp suggests government ownership.
The blade spine bears a Wilkinson factory inspection stamp. The blade was factory or armoury sharpened and is in excellent condition with faint manufacturing and use related marks and scabbard wear.
The wooden grip is firm and in excellent condition with two brass rivets. Both grip scales are clearly stamped with Wilkinson inspection marks. The steel crosspiece and pommel are bright and free from rust. The press-stud locking mechanism is in good working order.
The bayonet is complete with its brown leather scabbard with steel mounts. The throat of the scabbard is stamped with the D^D mark of the Australian Defence Department. The D^D mark is stamped over A.4. “A” is used in Australia to denote artillery issue and the 4 could be a battery number. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a British 1888 bayonet, made by Wilkinson for commercial sale and with a smaller MRD than usual. Throw the Australian ownership mark into the mix and you have a fascinating research project!
