Help on P.1903 Bayonet with strange scabbard

[Steve1871]

My friend Paul, collector/dealer got this at auction yesterday, bayonet, spine markings half worn off, the scabbard is what is odd. Brass instead of steel and has some strange attachment sewn on, looks period, I guessing to run a strap through for something. Hope someone knows about this mystery scabbard. Thanks guys

[Dave66]

35 minutes ago, Steve1871 said:

My friend Paul, collector/dealer got this at auction yesterday, bayonet, spine markings half worn off, the scabbard is what is odd. Brass instead of steel and has some strange attachment sewn on, looks period, I guessing to run a strap through for something. Hope someone knows about this mystery scabbard. Thanks guys

Steve,

im fairly sure with the brass the scabbard is an Indian variant, seen them on here before but Struggling to find an example to post. If I remember correctly the leather oddity is so you can pass a leg strap through….I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m way out😀.

 Dave.

Edit….not leg strap, but helve…..

 

Edited 20 March , 2022 by Dave66

[shippingsteel]

Yes definitely an Indian made scabbard, they did use the brass fittings earlier on. A clearer photo of the abbreviated letters should provide the manufacturer, looks like 1910. As Dave indicated the leather loop was sewn on these to allow for the strap to attach the entrenching tool handle, known as the helve.

Cheers, SS

[4thGordons]

Very nice example. And not all that common at all in my experience.

I think your friend did well.

Chris

[shippingsteel]

A few extra points to add here, the bayonet is of course a British P1903 made new by Enfield (not converted from P1888) and with an interesting wartime 1916 reissue stamp and inspection mark. Don't see these very often on the P1903 examples.

While the scabbard is obviously of Indian production with the brass fittings, technically it should be termed an Indian variant P1888 scabbard. As for the maker (CH?) I am going to go with the Cawnpore Harness & Saddlery Factory which was a major Government manufacturer of leather goods for the military, and dated 1910.

And as Chris indicated above, overall a very nice set, and something that is not encountered very often at all.

Cheers, SS