British Pattern 1888 Mk I Type II Lee-Metford rifle Bayonet made in 1891 by the Wilkinson Sword Company, London.
This bayonet is in excellent condition for its 132 years of age and is highly collectable.
The 304mm double-edged blade is marked on the ricasso with a flat crown above VR (Victoria Regina) and the production date, 10 ‘91 (October, 1891). The ricasso bears a further four issue dates, 1896, 1899, 1901 and 1904, accompanied by crowned inspection stamps. The base of the ricasso is stamped with the maker’s details, Wilkinson, London.
The obverse ricasso is marked with the British War Department WD and broad arrow, a bend test stamp and a Wilkinson factory inspection stamp. The spine of the ricasso bears a partial Wilkinson inspection stamp.
The blade was service sharpened and is in excellent condition.
The wooden grip scales are in very good condition. Two large brass rivets positioned close together hold the scales securely in place. The wooden hilt scales are drilled with an oil hole on both sides above the top rivet. The steel crosspiece and pommel are bright and free from rust. The press-stud locking mechanism is in good, crisp working order. The pommel is stamped with the weapon number 208.
The bayonet is complete with its black leather scabbard with steel mounts. The steel locket and chape are stamped with inspection marks. The mouth of the locket bears the weapon number 19. The leather is strong and the stitching intact. The leather is stamped with a WD and Broad Arrow, crowned inspection mark and the production date, 1901. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of an iconic British Lee-Metford rifle, Boer War period bayonet.
