This WW1 Pattern 1907 bayonet made by Sanderson & Newbould of Sheffield, England. The bayonet saw service with the New Zealand forces and was polished for ceremonial use after WW1.
The 432mm single-edged blade has a long narrow fuller and rounded spine that terminates in an upper edge. The grinding of the upper edge was done in New Zealand after WW1, post 1920 and suggests that the bayonet was re-issued for use during WW2.
The blade is in good condition with patches of pale tarnish. The ricasso is marked with a partly struck George V cypher over the pattern date 1907. The date of manufacture has been polished out. The base of the ricasso is stamped with the maker’s name, Sanderson.
The obverse ricasso bears a bend test stamp, War Department arrow and three Enfield inspection and acceptance stamps.
The crosspiece, muzzle ring and pommel have been polished. The crosspiece is stamped N20537. Probably corresponding with a rifle serial number. The press-stud catch is in perfect working order. The pommel has some dings and is faintly stamped with NZ. The grip scales are in good condition with use-related wear and colouration.
The bayonet is complete with its leather scabbard with a round frog stud. The scabbard is in good condition. The steel locket and chape have been polished. The stitching is intact and strong and the bayonet sheathes smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a WW1 P1907 bayonet that was issued for use during WW1 and probably WW2, after which it was polished for post war ceremonial duties.
