Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Recently purchased at a military auction, this is an interesting Australian manufactured P-1907 Bayonet for the No.1 MkIII Enfield rifle, often called the SHT.LE, SMLE, S.M.L.E., "Smelly" etc. This example was produced in Australia during WWII, with an original blade length of 17 inches. The Japanese forces in the Pacific still used longer bayonets, so the British, like the U.S. forces, kept the longer bayonets.
The blade markings on this example are still somewhat visible, with MA / 1907 / I above a 4 ' 41 date on the ricasso. "MA" is the code for the Lithgow Armory in Australia, and the bayonet was made in August 1943. The other side is marked with the British "Broad Arrow" proof over a large X blade bending mark next to O.
There is no "R" on the hilt spine of this example, so it does not appear to have been refurbished for use in the 1950s. Blade condition is good, though it has been sharpened somewhat heavily, and the tip of the bayonet is nicked. The grips are in very good condition, with a nice color.
The bayonet comes in a standard WWI black leather scabbard, which has had the original blued steel fittings unpainted. The back of the scabbard is maker marked but all we can make out is a [19]18. Overall condition is very good, and it fits the bayonet well.
A great chance to pick up a bayonet for your WWII SMLE Rifle!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 16 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge with Fuller
Overall length: 21 3/4"
Crossguard: 2 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 17 1/2"
History of the P-1907 Bayonet
The Pattern 1907 bayonet replaced the earlier P-1903 bayonet, which was a double edged bayonet based on the P-1888 bayonet of the Lee-Metford rifle. The P-1903 had been developed for the "Long" Magazine Lee-Enfield, which was 49.6 inches in overall length. With the introduction of the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield in 1904, the 12 inch bayonet was no longer considered long enough for the 44.6 inch SMLE, so the 17 inch bladed 1907 was developed.
In its original form, the P-1907 had a hooked guard (quillon), which was then removed from the pattern in early WWI due to the questionable use and increased production time. Unlike the 1903, the 1907 had a single edged blade that was less wide, but made of thicker stock.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
