British Pattern 1888 Mk I Type II Lee Metford Rifle Bayonet with matching scabbard.
This scarce bayonet is in very good condition for its 128 years of age and is highly collectable. The 306mm double-edged blade is marked on the ricasso with the flat crown of Queen Victoria and the production date, 12 ‘90 (December 1890). There are four additional dates on the ricasso, ’95, ’98, ’00 and ’01, besides which are Enfield inspection and reissue marks.
The obverse ricasso is marked with an Enfield inspection mark, the British War Department broad arrow, and “WD” and a bend test stamp. The blade spine also bears two Enfield inspection stamps. The blade has minimal age related tarnish and remains bright and free of rust or damage.
The wooden grip is firm and showing minimal age related wear with two large brass rivets positioned close together. The wooden hilt scales have an oil hole on both sides above the top rivet. The pommel is regimentally marked for the second battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, “2. BCK” over the weapon number “397.” There is a second, struck out weapon/issue number. The press-stud locking mechanism is in good working order.
The bayonet is complete with its matching black leather scabbard. The black leather is in good condition and the stitching is intact and firm. The leather is stamped with the War Department arrow, EFD maker’s mark and an Enfield inspection stamp. There are additional, hard to read stamps. The steel furniture is bright with minimal age related tarnish. The scabbard throat is stamped with the issue number “397” and an additional, struck out issue number.
