Seeking member insights on modified bayonets

[ColdKiwi]

Hi all

 

I have recently acquired several new additions to my collection that appear to be modified/shortened variations. I previously posted some of my Turkish examples, and am now following this with the British/commonwealth ones.  

 

I’m fairly new to collecting bayonets (I mostly collect imperial German swords), and would be grateful for any insights that forum members may have on these variations. 

 

1) 1875 Alex Henry bayonet. Has weyersberg maker mark, and blade has been shortened to 295mm

 

2) 1903 bayonet, blade length shortened to 210mm

 

3) 1888 mk1 2nd pattern bayonet converted to fighting knife(?). Blade length is 180mm

 

 

[JMB1943]

Kiwi,

The date on the P.1903 appears to be 10 ‘94.

If so, then it was originally a P.1888 bayonet that was converted by fitting a new pommel.

Does the heel of the pommel bear the name of the firm that did the conversion?

Regards,

JMB

PS It always helps to see clear photos of both sets of markings on a bayonet.

 

[Edit: Another look convinces me that it is 10 ‘04, so a true P.1903 from scratch!]

Edited 2 September , 2018 by JMB1943
Add info

[ColdKiwi]

Hi JMB,

Thanks for the feedback! And apologies for the poor quality photos. I’ll make sure to provide better ones in the future.

 

The date on the P.1903 is “10 04” and the maker mark on the other side of the ricasso is Mole. I’ll try and get some clearer shots tonight and post them up.

 

 

[trajan]

Well, probably not 'Turked' as these tend to have blade lengths around 25 cm, so converts to trench knives is possible. As far as I know there never was any form of 'official' or even 'semi-official' trench knife for UK and Commonwealth service - unlike Germany and - I believe - Austria and France.

 

Julian