British Pattern 1888 MkI Type II Lee Metford Rifle Bayonet issued to the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
This Victorian bayonet is in great condition for its 122 years of age and is highly collectable. The 303mm double-edged blade is marked on the ricasso with the production date, 8 ‘98 (August 1898) above the maker’s name, Sanderson, Sheffield.
The obverse ricasso is marked with a Sanderson inspection mark, the British War Department broad arrow, and a bend test stamp. The blade spine also bears two Sanderson inspection stamps. The blade has minor, shallow pitting at the point and in a few tiny patches. There are scabbard scuffs but the blade is bright and free of rust and retains its factory edges.
The wooden grips are firm and in good condition with two large brass rivets positioned close together. The grip scales are stamped with Sanderson inspection marks and have dark staining around the edges. The steel crosspiece and pommel are bright and free from rust with minor shallow pitting. The press-stud locking mechanism is in good working order. The pommel bears the faint unit markings of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders above the issue number 35.
The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders are famous for their defence of the British Army base at Balaklava during the Crimean War. On the 25th October, 1854 this single battalion stood between the undefended British Army base and four squadrons of charging Russian cavalry. They were the original “Thin Red Line,” and earned the nickname, “The Fighting Highlanders.”
From 1899-1902 the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders played leading roles in the Battle of Modder River, the Battle of Magersfontein and the Battle of Paardeberg during the Anglo-Boer Wars in South Africa. This bayonet was issued for this conflict.
The bayonet is complete with its black leather scabbard with steel mounts. The steel locket and chape are stamped with Enfield inspection marks and the throat bears the number 35. The steel furniture has very shallow pitting but is free of rust or damage.
The black leather is in overall good condition with wear to the original finish. The seam is intact and firm. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of an iconic British Boer War bayonet carried by one of Britain’s most famous regiments.
