{"product_id":"original-british-pre-wwi-rare-pattern-1903-sword-bayonet-with-scabbard-dated-1903-very-rare","title":"Original British Pre-WWI Rare Pattern 1903 Sword Bayonet with Scabbard - Dated 1903 - Very Rare","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. The Pattern 1903 bayonet was introduced in conjunction with the Short, Magazine Lee Enfield Rifle. It was essentially a version of the existing Pattern 1888 bayonet redesigned to conform with the new rifle. It was not long before concerns arose about the overall length of the SMLE and its bayonet. It was feared that British troops might be at a disadvantage in bayonet combat with enemies equipped with longer weapons. As a result the Pattern 1907 bayonet was designed and introduced. However, the Pattern 1903 remained in service in the Indian Army until the First World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very rare example of a bayonet for the Short, Magazine Lee Enfield Rifle, Pattern of 1903. These are incredibly difficult to find, and this is the first example we have offered. The ricasso is stamped with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE.R.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1903\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2    01\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWILKINSON, LONDON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade is missing most of the finish, but retains the darkening at the ricasso. The blade measures 11 ¾”, and the overall length is 16 ½”. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 12 ¾” scabbard shows heavy wear and appears to be a later SMLE scabbard. There is heavy wear to the throat and the drag, but the stitching is in good shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extremely rare example, ready for display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 11 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 16 1\/2\"\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 2 5\/8”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 12 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171135512645,"sku":"ONJR26JURA033","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/3712A9E1-95FA-41F2-9072-961BE67979C1.jpg?v=1781724248","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-pre-wwi-rare-pattern-1903-sword-bayonet-with-scabbard-dated-1903-very-rare","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}