British Pattern 1888 Mk II Lee Metford Rifle Bayonet made by the Wilkinson Sword Company, london in 1902. Production of the Mk II pattern 1888 bayonet totalled less than half that of the Mk I type II, making it harder to find today.
This desirable bayonet is in excellent condition and is highly collectable.
The 307mm double-edged blade is marked on the ricasso with the crown above ER of King Edward VII and the production date, 4 ‘02 (April, 1902). The Wilkinson makers’ name is stamped at the base of the ricasso.
The obverse ricasso is marked with the War Department arrow, a Wilkinson factory inspection mark and a bend test stamp.
The ricasso spine bears two Wilkinson inspection stamps. The blade was factory/armoury sharpened for the first 200mm and is in excellent condition. The blade retains its factory needle sharp point
The wooden grip is firm and in excellent condition with two brass rivets. The grip scales are stamped with Wilkinson inspection marks. The steel crosspiece and pommel are bright and free from rust with a pale speckling of tarnish. The press-stud locking mechanism is in perfect working order.
The bayonet is complete with its Enfield made black leather scabbard with steel mounts. The black leather is stamped with the Enfield maker’s mark, two crowned inspection marks, War Department arrow and the manufacture date of 1897. The scabbard is in good condition with some wear to the original finish and pale tarnish to the mounts. The stitching is intact and firm. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a late production British 1888 Mk II bayonet
