P1907 hookies

[calibre792x57.y]

Might possibly be a hardness test mark, but in my time the British hardness checks were with a Brinell tester which left a diamond shaped indentation which was measured and compared with a table giving the pressure applied. The result was a measure of the hardness of the piece being tested. - SW

[Michael Haselgrove]

S> and SW - Thanks very much for your comments. Much appreciated. Regards. Michael H.

[Khaki]

It certainly would have if it was actually dated 1910, however they reportedly didn't begin manufacture of these in India until 1913-14, so ....??

I think someone may have got mixed up with the markings in this case, but it will be interesting to see. Perhaps "very rare never before seen".

Cheers, S>S

Hello S>S,

You were 'right on the money' with your opinion, the bayonet arrived today and the blade is dated 5.16, the pommel has R206 and the regt marking has been efficiently X'd out, no oil hole, nice grips, although they are a bit proud of the metal (is that Indian?)maybe replacment, early scabbard with 'teardrop' button, blade excellent no rust, but is 'blued'

up to the guard,bend test mark and a number 21 (reissue/refurbish??)

khaki

[shippingsteel]

Yes Khaki, it will have been refurbished at some point with the blade having been blued, and possibly the grips replaced. Indian grips are often large and dark.

The number 21 could be part of an Indian inspection mark from the rework.? From memory they usually have the letters IS or IG over the number, its often 21.

If the number is large like a normal date stamp, then it could be a reissue date, particularly if it was in British service. The rack number does sound to be British.

Cheers, S>S