Scarce British Pattern 1907 Lanchester submachine gun bayonet made by the Wilkinson Sword Company. The WWII produced Lanchester SMG takes its name from the Sterling Armaments Company engineer, George Lanchester who reverse engineered a captured German MP28 Mk II to develop the SMG for use in close quarter battle. These submachine guns were mainly issued to the Royal Navy and the Wilkinson Sword Company was tasked with producing the accompanying bayonets.
The Lanchester submachine gun was produced between June 1941 and 1945 (the final production contract being in 1943). The Lanchester was withdrawn from service in the late 1960’s.
The 438mm, single edged blade has a long narrow fuller and rounded spine. The anti-reflective blade retains its factory edge and original sand blasted finish. The blade is in near mint condition.
The blued ricasso is marked with the crowned cypher of King George VI, the Wilkinson Sword Company wartime dispersal code, S294 above WSC and the production date of 5 ’43 (May 1943). The obverse ricasso bears an Enfield inspection stamp, a Broad Arrow and a bend test X.
The crosspiece, pommel and grip scales are all in very good condition. The push button locking mechanism is in perfect condition and works well.
The bayonet is complete with its black leather scabbard with a round frog stud. The scabbard is in very good condition. The stitching is intact and strong. The chape has a few small dings on the back. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a scarce British WW2 Lanchester submachine gun bayonet.
