Original British WWII Era M1915 Spring Loaded Bayonet Training Rifle by W.W. Greener – dated 1946 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Just acquired at a recent military show, this is a very interesting M1915 bayonet training rifle (or musket) produced for the British Army. These were first designed during WW1, and contract made by various small arms manufacturers such as Webley & Scott. We had assumed that these were discontinued during the interwar period, however we have seen examples with dates in the mid 1930s. This example however is stamped on the left hand butt stock with:

W.W. GREENER BIRMINGHAM

NO 3 1946
L (Broad Arrow)C

Apparently even into the post war years these were still being used for bayonet training by the armed forces. We do not know however whether it was originally made then, or whether this is a marking from being refurbished. There often would be markings stamped into the metal fittings, but we are not able to see any on this example. Definitely some great research potential here!

The training rifle is constructed like a rifle with wood stock and cup steel butt plate the action and barrel are just a tube, with wooden fore stock, containing a large coil spring into which a floating steel rod is secured with a steel disk to the front. Upon contact with an opponent the rod compresses into the tube simulating bayonet combat, which, at that stage of WW1 was an everyday event on the Western Front.

Overall condition is very good, showing a lovely peppered patina on much of the metalwork. Measures approximately 63 inches overall when extended and 46 1/2 inches when fully compressed. A must for any serious British Lee-Enfield collector!