Iconic British WW1 Pattern 1907 bayonet with a rare miss-stamped date. The date on the ricasso appears to be February 1907, but only one P1907 bayonet was actually produced in 1907 and this isn’t it. This bayonet was made in 1917 by the Wilkinson Sword company. In peace-time the miss-stamped date would not have passed inspection but with wartime production in full swing and equipping the troops the priority, this incorrectly stamped bayonet was issued regardless of the confusing date stamp.
The Enfield factory produced the only P1907 bayonet in 1907. That bayonet had a hooked quillon and was made as a pattern example. Production of the P1907 bayonet commenced in 1908.
The 433mm, single edged blade has a long narrow fuller and rounded spine. The edge was service sharpened. The blade is in excellent condition. The ricasso retains its blueing and is marked with a crown and GR (Georgius Rex) for King George V, over the pattern date 1907 and the date of manufacture 2 ’7 below which is stamped “Wilkinson Pall Mall.” The numeral 2 is also incorrectly stamped, appearing on its side. The true production date for this bayonet would have been 2 ’17, which is supported by the clearing hole in the pommel. Clearing holes were not a feature of P1907 bayonets until 1916.
The obverse ricasso bears the War Department broad arrow, bend test stamp and three Enfield inspection and acceptance stamps. There is also a revised date stamp, ’17, presumably an attempt to rectify the confusing date stamp on the other side.
The crosspiece and muzzle ring retain their original blueing, as does the steel pommel. The wooden grip scales are in good condition with some marks and age related colouration. The right-hand scale is stamped with D364 which I think is probably the weapon number of the rifle the bayonet was issued with. Another possibility is that the bayonet was issued to the Dragoons. The scales are held firmly in place by the two original screws. The push button locking mechanism is in good condition and works well. The pommel is also stamped D364 above a struck out issue number. The belly of the tang is stamped EFD for the Enfield factory and also with the letters J and S as well as two partially struck letters.
The bayonet is complete with its correct WW1 leather scabbard with a teardrop frog stud. The scabbard is in excellent condition. The leather is stamped with the War Department broad arrow, an Enfield inspection stamp and the date, ’17 (1917). The stitching is intact. The steel locket and chape retain their original blueing. The locket and chape are stamped with an Enfield inspectors stamp and a Broad Arrow.
This is an excellent example of the iconic British P1907 World War One Enfield bayonet made rare by the sloppily and confusingly stamped date.
