Iconic British WW1 Pattern 1907 bayonet made in 1914 by the Wilkinson Sword company and marked to the Leicestershire Regiment.
The 436mm, single edged blade has a long narrow fuller and rounded spine. The edge was service sharpened. The blade is in good condition. There are some small areas of shallow pitting and tarnish along the edge and spine and towards the point but these are stable, clean and free from active rust.
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 11 ’14 below which is stamped “Wilkinson.”
The obverse ricasso bears the War Department broad arrow, bend test stamp and three Enfield inspection and acceptance stamps.
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 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 marked to the 3rd Battalion The Leicestershire Regiment, 1st company, weapon number 649.
The bayonet is complete with its original leather scabbard with a teardrop frog stud. The scabbard is in very good condition. The leather is stamped with the War Department broad arrow, an Enfield inspection stamp and the date, 1915. The steel locket and chape retain their original blueing. The chape is stamped with an Enfield inspectors stamp and a Broad Arrow. The locket bears an Enfield inspection stamp.
This is a better than average example of the iconic British World War One Enfield bayonet, unit marked to a British line infantry regiment that won three Victoria Crosses during the Great War.
