bayonet confirmation of information.

[wulfrik-the-wanderer]

Hey everyone,

I picked this bayonet up the other day for the cheap price of £27 as it didn't have a scabbard (chuffed!), and was wondering if someone could help make sense of the markings.

would I be correct in saying it is an Enfield made 1907 pattern bayonet, made in May 1910? there is what looks like a 12 under the 10 so has possibly been reworked/reissued in 1912, then to the rear on the ricasso there is '15 so again reworked/reissued in 1915 after having the hooked quillion taken off and a clearing hole drilled? then '30 so reworked/reissued in 1930? what about the inspection marks? and the odd "[" to the tang in between the grips?

I've cleaned it up since getting it and was surprised that most of the bluing is intact but the blade has patina/black marks, is there any way of removing these at all?

warm regards,

Haydn

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[Lancashire Fusilier]

Haydn,

Just as you said, an Enfield Pattern 1907 Sword Bayonet issued in May 1910, then subsequently re-issued several times as per year markings, plus usual Inspection marks, W ^ D broad Arrow, and the ' X ' bend test mark.

The approval date for the removal of the Hooked Quillion was 29th October, 1913. Approval for the drilling of a clearance hole in the pommel, was given in early 1916.

The marking between the grips, if you view it the other way up, could be a ' 1 ', and sometimes you do see sundry additional inspection marks stamped in this position.

As for getting marks off the blade, try wire wool, a good metal polish ( cream ), and lots of elbow grease.

Regards,

LF