This is a very rare bayonet and scabbard. This 1907 pattern bayonet has an experimental false edge ground into the spine, giving it a double-edged point and an even rarer double seamed scabbard.
The No.2 Mk1 double stitched scabbard was accepted and entered into the List of Changes in September 1915. Very few of these scabbards were produced before the adoption of the scabbard was cancelled. British made No.2 Mk1 double seamed scabbards are rarer than the No.1 Mk1 scabbard with internal chape for the 1907 bayonet.
This scabbard was made in London by the British firm of Hepburn, Gale & Ross Ltd and bears their maker mark and the production date of 1915.
The 431mm single-edged blade has a long narrow fuller and rounded spine. A sharpened false edge was ground into the spine giving it a double-edged point. The grinding of a false edge is sometimes seen on WW2 Australian made P1907 bayonets but this bayonet was made in 1916 with the last date stamp being in the 1920s. The grinding if a false edge on Australian bayonets began in 1944. It is likely that this was an experimental re-work that was conducted at late in WW1 (1917) or in the years soon after the Great War (192?). The long single-edge was service sharpened. The blade is in excellent, near mint condition, consistent with it being an unissued experimental model.
The ricasso retains its original 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 5 ’16 below which is stamped “Sanderson.”
The obverse ricasso bears the War Department broad arrow, bend test stamp and five Enfield inspection stamps. There are two additional dates accompanying the stamps, 1917 and 192?
The crosspiece and muzzle ring retain their original blueing, as does the steel pommel. The pommel is drilled with a clearance hole which was adopted in 1916. The wooden grip scales are in unissued condition. 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 bayonet is complete with its very rare 1915 dated double seamed scabbard. The scabbard is stamped with the HRG maker’s mark and the date stamp for 1915. Two additional stamps are worn but look to be a broad arrow and a crowned inspection mark. The leather is in excellent condition and the stitching along the double seams is intact and tight.
The steel locket with teardrop stud retains its original finish. The 1920’s made Australian double seamed scabbards have a small round frog stud. The locket is stamped with a crowned inspection mark. The chape with raised central ridges on both sides to accommodate the seams is in excellent condition and retains its original finish. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a fantastic, near mint example of a very rare British P1907 experimental bayonet and double seamed scabbard.
