British Pattern 1888 Mk I Type II Lee-Metford rifle Bayonet made by the Wilkinson Sword Company, London.
The 305mm double-edged blade is marked on the ricasso with the maker’s details, Wilkinson, London. The obverse ricasso bears a bend test X mark. The lack of any additional stamps, particularly the government ownership and inspection/acceptance marks, suggests that the bayonet was made as a private purchase item. However, the presence of two Broad Arrow, marks on the pommel, indicates that the bayonet was owned by the War Department and issued accordingly. It is likely that the bayonet was diverted from a private purchase contract to government ownership due to the need to equip troops leaving for the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa.
The blade was professionally service sharpened, further supporting this assumption.
The wooden grip scales are in good condition with a small area of minor woodworm damage on one scale. Two large brass rivets positioned close together hold the scales securely in place. The wooden hilt scales are drilled with an oil hole on both sides above the top rivet.
The steel crosspiece and pommel are bright and free from rust with cleaned shallow pitting. The press-stud locking mechanism is in good, crisp working order. The pommel is stamped with an unusual mark, two Broad Arrows facing away from each other. Had the arrows been facing towards each other, point-to-point, it would indicate that the bayonet was “sold out of service” and it may be that the mark was miss-stamped and intended to indicate this.
The bayonet is complete with its black leather scabbard with steel mounts. The steel locket and chape are clean and rust free, with some shallow pitting. The leather is strong and the stitching intact. The leather is un-stamped, again, suggesting the bayonet was originally made for private purchase. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of an iconic Boer War period bayonet with an interesting and unusual Broad Arrows stamp.
£225.00
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