British Pattern 1888 Mk II Royal Navy issue Lee Metford Rifle Bayonet.
This bayonet was produced for either the Boxer Rebellion in China or the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa and is in excellent condition. During the Boer War, guns from the Royal Navy fleet were removed from the ships and transported across land to the various battlefields and sieges. The batteries were manned by the Royal Navy gunners. At the same time, the Boxer Rebellion was taking place in China, and again, the Royal Navy was central to the quelling of this uprising. This bayonet could have been at either of these conflicts. These bayonets are becoming scarce and are highly collectable.
The 305mm double edged blade is in excellent condition and is marked on the ricasso with a crown above a faint VR (Victoria Regina) and the date 6 ’99 (June 1899). The obverse ricasso is marked with “EFD” for the Enfield factory, the British War Department broad arrow, bend test and Enfield inspection stamp. The spine also bears two inspection stamps.
The brass riveted, wooden grips are firm and showing minimal age related wear. The pommel is stamped with struck out issue numbers on both sides above the oil hole. Also stamped on the pommel, (and not struck out) is an “N” denoting Royal Naval service.
The bayonet is complete with its original black leather scabbard in excellent condition. The scabbard is stamped with a serial number on the throat and Enfield inspection stamps on the steel furniture.
