Rare early production Hooked Quillon bayonet made by Sanderson of Sheffield in August 1908 and issued to the Grenadier Guards. 1908 was the first year of manufacture of the pattern 1907 bayonet, only one P1907 bayonet having been produced in 1907 as a pattern example.
This is a rare bayonet. Rarer still is the matching numbered and dated Mk I internal chape leather scabbard.
The 433mm, single edged blade has a long narrow fuller and rounded spine. The edge was armoury sharpened. The blade is bright and clean and is in very good condition with a couple of small patches of minor, shallow pitting.
The ricasso retains its original blueing and is marked with the crowned cypher of Edward VII over the pattern date 1907 and the date of manufacture 8 ‘08 below which is stamped “Sanderson.” The obverse ricasso bears the War Department broad arrow, bend test stamp and three inspection and acceptance stamps.
The hooked quilloned crosspiece retains its original blueing, as does the steel pommel. There is some mild wear. The pommel is stamped with the regimental markings “5. G. G.” and the issue number “1287.” Beneath these markings are earlier issue stamps to the South Wales Borderers, with the cancelled issue number, 372. During WW1 this bayonet was re-issued to the 5th battalion The Grenadier Guards. The wooden grip scales are in good condition with some age and use related marks and are held firmly in place by the two original screws. The push button locking mechanism is in good condition and the action is crisp.
The bayonet is complete with its very rare No1 Mk l leather scabbard with an internal chape and a teardrop frog stud. The Mk I scabbard was only produced for one year, between April 1908 and April 1909.
The scabbard is in very good condition with its original blued finish to the locket. The throat of the locket bears the matching issue number 1287. The leather and stitching are strong. The leather is stamped with the War Department arrow, crowned inspection mark and the date ‘08 (1908). The steel locket bears a crowned Enfield inspection stamp.
This is an extremely rare example of the iconic British hooked quillon P1907 bayonet, unit marked to the Grenadier Guards and with its original issued first pattern No.1 Mk I scabbard.
