Extremely rare 1907 Mk1 hooked quillon bayonet with its No.1 Mk1 internal chape scabbard. The bayonet was made by Robert Mole of Birmingham in January 1910 and was issued to the Connaught Rangers. The Connaught Rangers took part in some of the fiercest fighting during WW1. The Regiment, nicknamed “The Devil’s Own” fought in France, Flanders and at Gallipoli.
This is an extremely rare bayonet, made even more so by the No.1 Mk1 internal chape scabbard.
The 435mm, single edged blade has a long narrow fuller and rounded spine. The edge was service sharpened. The blade is bright and clean and is in very good condition with minimal speckles of pale tarnish and some light scratches.
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 1 ‘10 below which is stamped “MOLE.” The obverse ricasso bears the War Department broad arrow, bend test stamp and three Birmingham inspection and acceptance stamps.
The hooked quillon crosspiece retains its blueing, as does the steel pommel. There is some mild wear. The pommel is stamped with the regimental markings 4 CT and the issue number 199. The wooden grip scales are in good condition and are held firmly in place by the two original screws. The scales are stamped with crowned inspection marks and have a great use and age-related colouration. The push button locking mechanism is in good condition and the action is crisp.
The bayonet is complete with its very rare No1 Mk 1 leather scabbard with an internal chape and a teardrop frog stud. The Mk 1 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 leather and stitching are strong. The leather is stamped with the maker’s mark, H.G.R (Hepburn, Gale & Ross) and the manufacture date for 1909. The steel locket bears a faint crowned inspection stamp.
This is an extremely rare MOLE example of the iconic British hooked quillon P1907 bayonet, unit marked to the Connaught Rangers and with its first pattern No.1 Mk I internal chape scabbard.
