This Royal Dragoon marked P1888 Mk I Type II bayonet comes with a scarce land pattern scabbard.
This scarce bayonet is in very good condition and is highly collectable. The 304mm double-edged and service sharpened blade is marked on the ricasso with the maker’s name, Wilkinson, London below the production date of 8 ’91 (August 1891) and the flat crowned V.R. cypher of Queen Victoria. The obverse ricasso is marked with a Wilkinson inspection mark, the British War Department broad arrow, and “WD” and a bend test stamp. The blade spine bears a Wilkinson inspection stamp.
The wooden grip is firm and in excellent condition with two large brass rivets positioned close together. 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. The press-stud locking mechanism is in good working order. The pommel bears the regimental markings of the Royal Dragoons.
The bayonet is complete with its land pattern scabbard with a blued steel locket and internal chape. The scabbard is missing its frog. The mouth of the locket is stamped with a weapon number and two War Department broad arrows. The leather is in very good condition and the stitching is intact and tight.
The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of the iconic British Boer War and Boxer Rebellion bayonet.
