Guest P-MAC Posted 16 November , 2003 Share Posted 16 November , 2003 Hi: I have an old bayonet with sheath and don't know anything about it. The blade is 17 inches long, the handle 4.5 inches, metal and dark wood. On the blade there is small crest which has the year 1907 inside it, under the crest the word LITHGOW and then 1918. On the reverse side, where the blade and handle connect (looks like there is sight ring on this part) it has 3MD then 58744. This side of the blade is marked with a symbol like a star around an A, a big X and then another symbol around an A. Where the blade attached to the rifle under the spring loaded connection there are more markings A over 11732. The sheath is metal on both ends, dark leather. The only marking I can find are the letters OA. Anything you can tell me about it would be appreciated. Thanks Peggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul K Posted 18 November , 2003 Share Posted 18 November , 2003 Any chance of putting a photo of it on the forum. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Parker Posted 18 November , 2003 Share Posted 18 November , 2003 Peggy What you have is a 1907 pattern bayonet made by Lithgow (Australia) in 1918 for the Lee Enfield SMLE rifle. The large 'X' may well be the sold out of service symbol which is two arrows facing one another. I'm afraid I can't tell you what the other markings are without a bit of research, but they will be unit and serial no's. Will have a look this evening when I get home from work. Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Morgan Posted 18 November , 2003 Share Posted 18 November , 2003 On a British-made bayonet, the "X" stamp meant that the bayonet had passed the bend test, in which the blade was bent against a frame of a certain radius. The blade had to spring back straight to pass this test. The "A-in-a-star" stamp was the mark of the Lithgow Small Arms Factory, N.S.W., Australia and as Geoff has said, this bayonet was made by them. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Parker Posted 19 November , 2003 Share Posted 19 November , 2003 Peggy Thanks for the email, have sent further details in reply Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Henschke Posted 19 November , 2003 Share Posted 19 November , 2003 3MD was 3rd Military district, that is, Victoria. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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