This very rare Hooked Quillon bayonet was made by the Royal small Arms factory (RSAF) Enfield in December 1913 and was issued to the 4th Battalion, 38th Foot, the South Staffordshire Regiment. Its issue number was #7. The hooked quillon was intended to break an opponent’s bayonet in combat. It proved to be ineffective and was withdrawn from use at the beginning of 1914 with the majority of early bayonets being recalled to have the hook removed. This bayonet is one of the last hooked quillon P1907 bayonets made. The South Staffordshire Regiment was a line infantry regiment of the British Army in existence for only 68 years. The regiment was created in 1881 by the amalgamation of the 38th 1st Staffordshire Regiment of Foot and the 80th Staffordshire Volunteers Regiment of Foot. The regiment saw service in the Anglo-Egyptian War, the Sudan, Second Boer War, World War l and World War II.
The 41.5 cm single edged blade has a long narrow fuller and rounded spine and retains its fighting edge.
The ricasso retains its original blueing and is marked with a crown and GR (Georgius Rex) over the pattern date – 1907 and the date of manufacture 12 ’13 (December 1913) below which is stamped “EFD” for the Enfield factory.
The obverse ricasso bears the War Department broad arrow, bend test stamp and three inspection and acceptance stamps.
The blade is mostly bright with a mild salt and pepper patina with small areas of darker tarnishing. The tip of the blade has rounded with use and is slightly bent. These issues can be easily rectified but they attest to the bayonets use as an infantry tool.
The hooked quillon and muzzle ring have a dark patina as does the steel pommel which is clearly stamped with the regimental markings “4.S.STF” over the number “7.” The wooden scales are in good condition with age related wear and colouration. There is one tiny hole which looks like old woodworm. The scales are held firmly in place by the two original screws. The push button locking mechanism is in good condition and works well.
The bayonet is complete with an original No1 Mkll black leather scabbard with a tear drop stud.
