British Pattern 1888 Mk I Type II Lee-Metford rifle Bayonet made in 1897 by the Wilkinson Sword Company, London. The bayonet was issued to the Royal navy and is marked accordingly on both the bayonet and scabbard.
This bayonet is in good condition for its 128 years of age.
The 304mm double-edged blade is marked on the ricasso with a worn VR (Victoria Regina) and the production date, 4 ‘97. The obverse ricasso is marked with the British War Department WD and broad arrow and a Wilkinson factory inspection stamp. The stamps have cleaning wear. The blade has a faint speckled patina and is in good condition with some sharpening scratches and service wear.
The wooden grip scales are in 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 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/issue number 394 and a crossed out 36. The letter, N is stamped at the base of the pommel, indicating that the bayonet saw service in the Royal Navy.
The bayonet is complete with its Mk II brown leather scabbard with steel locket and internal chape. The steel locket is stamped with Enfield inspection marks. The leather is strong and the stitching intact. The back of the scabbard is stamped with the letter N, the EFD of the Enfield factory, a War Department arrow and Enfield inspection mark. The leather frog that would have been stitched to the locket is absent. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of the iconic British Lee-Metford rifle bayonet with scarce Royal Navy issue markings.
