Extremely rare Mk1 hooked quillon bayonet & No.1 Mk1 internal chape scabbard made by the Wilkinson Sword Co. in June 1909. The bayonet was issued to the Northumberland Fusiliers. The Northumberland Fusiliers took part in some of the fiercest fighting during WW1. The Regiment raised 52 battalions and was awarded 67 Battle Honours and 5 Victoria Crosses, losing 16,000 men during the course of the war.
This is a rare bayonet. Rarer still is the No.1 Mk1 internal chape scabbard.
The 432mm, single edged blade has a long narrow fuller and rounded spine. The edge was service sharpened. The blade is bright and clean and is in very good condition with minimal speckles of pale tarnish.
The ricasso retains its original blueing and is marked with the crowned cypher of Edward VII over the pattern date 1907 and the date of manufacture 6 ‘09 below which is stamped “Wilkinson.” The obverse ricasso bears the War Department broad arrow, bend test stamp and three Enfield inspection and acceptance stamps.
The hooked quillon crosspiece retains its blueing, as does the steel pommel. There is some mild wear. The pommel is stamped with the regimental markings N.F and the issue number R727. The wooden grip scales are in good condition and are held firmly in place by the two original screws. The scales are stamped with crowned inspection marks and have a great patina. The push button locking mechanism is in good condition and the action is crisp.
The bayonet is complete with its very rare No1 Mk l leather scabbard with an internal chape and a teardrop frog stud. The Mk I scabbard was only produced for one year, between April 1908 and April 1909.
The scabbard is in very good condition with its original blued finish to the locket. The leather and stitching are strong. The leather is faintly stamped with the War Department arrow and maker/inspection mark. The steel locket bears a crowned inspection stamp.
This is an extremely rare example of the iconic British hooked quillon P1907 bayonet, unit marked to the Northumberland Fusiliers and with its first pattern No.1 Mk I scabbard.
