Item:
ON12580

Original Rare British WWI P-1907 Hook Quillon Bayonet by MOLE with Rare 1st Pattern Scabbard - Dated 1908

Item Description

Original Item: One of a Kind. Always so very hard to find, this example is marked MOLE on the ricasso, for rare maker Robert Mole & Sons, and is the first example we have ever had. The ricasso is dated 11 '08 for November of 1908, and is marked with the correct CROWN / ER royal cypher, for King Edward VII, who reigned 1901 to 1910. The ricasso is also smothered in inspector's and Ordnance markings, and there are even proof marks on both grip scales. The pommel is regimentally marked with GOR. R. 620, which we assume is for the Gordon Highlanders Regiment.

The bayonet comes complete in its original very rare 1st Pattern Scabbard, which has a "hidden" button chape on the end. These were only produced from 1907-1908, when the No.1 MkII with the external chape was introduced. The locket has the correct "lozenge" shaped frog stud of WWI, as well as ground flush rivets attached to the throat springs. These are very hard to find, and this example is marked EFD, for RSAF Enfield.

Both bayonet and scabbard are in very good condition, particularly the blade of this bayonet, which is still bright steel with just a bit of staining. The hilt and locket of the scabbard do have some past pitting, now removed, and match very well. We very much feel that these scabbard and bayonet are matched, and have been together for over 100 years. For more information please see Watts & White THE BAYONET BOOK, Page 393, Item 818.

Hooked Quillion bayonets are very hard to find, especially such early manufactured examples. The rare maker and early scabbard just make it that much better! In great condition, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 17"
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 British "Pattern of 1907" Bayonet was developed for the No.1 MkIII Enfield rifle, often called the SHT.LE, SMLE, S.M.L.E., "Smelly" etc. The P-1907 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 it's 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.

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