British Pattern 1888 Mk I Type II Lee Metford Rifle Bayonet issued to the Royal Navy. P1888 Lee Metford bayonets are highly collectable. Naval issue examples in their 1903 pattern naval issue scabbards are rare. These scabbards were made to accommodate the 1903 pattern Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) bayonet which was essentially the P1888 blade re-hilted for the new rifle. The scabbards with internal steel locket and chape were interchangeable with the existing Lee Metford P1888 scabbards and were considered better suited to service at sea.
This rare bayonet is in great condition for its 126 years of age. The 294mm double-edged blade is slightly shortened and has been armoury/professionally re-pointed. Maybe it lost its tip in service?
The blade is faintly marked on the ricasso with a flat Victorian crown and the clearly struck production date, 10 ‘94 (October 1894). The obverse ricasso is marked with an Enfield inspection mark, the British War Department broad arrow, and “WD” and a bend test stamp. The blade spine also bears two Enfield inspection stamps. The blade has a small patch of tarnish on each side caused by the scabbard spring and some tiny scattered speckles but the rest of the blade remains bright. The edges have been service sharpened and there are a few tiny edge nicks and use related marks.
The wooden grip is firm and in great condition with a dark patina and two large brass rivets positioned close together. 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 with a pale grey patina. The pommel is stamped with the number A 859 and the obverse bears the letter N for naval issue. The press-stud locking mechanism is in good working order. The grip spine bears a letter S stamp.
The bayonet is complete with its 1903 pattern naval issue black leather scabbard with integral frog and internal steel locket and chape. The mouth of the locket is stamped with two War Department broad arrows. The black leather is in overall great condition and retains its original finish. The stitching is intact and firm and the leather is stamped with the navy N, a broad arrow, the date ’04 (1904) and a crowned inspection mark.
The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a rare Royal Navy issued Lee Metford bayonet.
