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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Unit marked 1888 bayonet - 4CL


msdt

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My latest 1888. An Enfield made example, 4 '02 dated, no reissues at all. Looks like it has been regripped. Interesting marks, 186 / 4.C.L. / 677. The scabbard has been matched to the 677; why hasn't the 186 been struck out?

My view so far is that this is marked to the 4th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). This was part of the Territorial Force that came into existence in the reforms of 1908, being formed from the 4th Volunteer Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, part of the previous Volunteer Force. In 1914 in turn it became the 1/4th (and 2/4th) (City of London) Battalion (Royal Fusiliers).

 

Are there any other possibilities?

 

Cheers,

Tony

 

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Tony,

Very unusual to see the rivet heads not blended into the surrounding metal.

Does the throat show another scrubbed out number just to left of "677" ?

Those scabbards are hard to find---do you intend to apply any finish to it ?

Regards,

JMb

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Hi JMB,

Yes, the rivets do seem a bit different, so maybe regripped at some time. The scabbard has 2, maybe 3, previous numbers! I have no plans to touch the leather. I do less and less to them these days - indeed now I really only tackle red rust or a dirty blade. And then only with 0000 grade wire wool and oil. I like the sleeper look, so try not to disturb it!

Cheers,

Tony

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