British M1888 Mk I Type II Lee Metford Rifle Bayonet.
This bayonet is in over-all good condition for its 120 years of age and is highly collectable. The 305mm double-edged blade is nicely marked on the ricasso with a flat crown above VR (Victoria Regina) and the date 9 '97 (September 1897). This bayonet was produced for the Boer War in South African. The obverse ricasso is marked with "EFD" for the Enfield factory, the British War Department broad arrow, bend test and Enfield inspection stamp. The spine also bears two inspection stamps. The blade has minor age related tarnish and small areas of pitting.
The wooden grip is firm and showing age and use related wear. The blackening of the wooden scales is indicative of the bayonet being fixed while the rifle was fired repeatedly. The scales are held firmly in place by two large brass rivets positioned close together. The wooden hilt is drilled with an oil hole on both sides above the top rivet. The pommel is stamped 733 and the press-stud locking mechanism is in good working order.
The bayonet is complete with its original black leather scabbard, which has some tarnish on the steel furniture. The throat is marked with a crowned Enfield inspection stamp and various numbers (inspector numbers?) and the steel chape bears crowned Enfield inspection stamps. The black leather is in excellent condition and the stitching is intact and firm.
The over-all length of the bayonet is 42cm and it is held firmly within the scabbard.
