My Grandfathers Bayonet

[hairynosedad]

Good Morning Forum Members 

I have recently come into possession of my Grandfathers Bayonet and would kindly ask if anyone could help me decipher the markings as i would be interested to know the history of the manufacture and also the rifle if fitted on (i think a SMLE).

Thank you in advance 

 

[MikeyH]

This Enfield (EFD) made example is dated August 1910, and carries the standard inspection and bend test 'X' markings. It was originally a hooked quillon type, this has been removed, but a little of the original crossguard bend can still be seen.  Seems to be in very good condition, a nice example.  It was as you say for the SMLE rifle.

Mike.

 

Edited 21 February , 2022 by MikeyH

[AndyBsk]

Looks like early Enfield production aug.1910, with later removed hook. pommel area should be presented as there are unit markings.

Edited 21 February , 2022 by AndyBsk

[hairynosedad]

Thank you for your quick response , there appears to be no markings at all on the pommel, my Grandfather carried this for the duration of WW2 as a member of REME attached to the 7th Armoured Division 

[Dave66]

Welcome,

It was inspected in 1919, (19 stamped on the ricasso), it was also, I presume, refurbished then. This wouldn’t have originally had a clearance hole in the pommel so post 1916 these were added….I would also suspect the grips were replaced looking at the fit. The frog is a 37 pattern.

Great example that spans both wars.

Dave.

[MikeyH]

The scabbard is an early type with teardrop frog stud, so 'possibly' original to the bayonet.

Mike.

[AndyBsk]

The area where normally are unit stamp are here covered by web strap of frog.

[hairynosedad]

There is nothing under the frog strap on the pommel , very clean with a perfect flush fit with the surface of the spring loaded catch , looks like it was cleaned up and polished , maybe awaiting marking when it was reissued but it was never done.