Original British WWI / WWII P-1907 Enfield Bayonet by WILKINSON with No. I Mk. II Scabbard – dated 1943 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a standard British WWI P-1907 bayonet, which is marked S294 for the famous Wilkinson Sword Company. Above this is the correct “King’s Crown” G.R. over 1907, for a Pattern 1907 bayonet made during the reign of King George V, who reigned 1910 – 1936. This is marked together with all the usual acceptance marks and proofs. The bayonet is also stamped ‘43, indicating it was repurposed in 1943 for use in WWII. The other side has markings but no visible dates. This bayonet probably was issued during WWI to British forces and again during WWII. For more information please see Watts & White THE BAYONET BOOK, Page 393, Item 819.

The bayonet comes with its correct No. I Mk. II Scabbard, with steel fittings and the correct “lozenge” style frog stud. It has the correct three rivets to attach the throat springs, and has an inspection proof, though paint makes it hard to see.

Condition is very good, though the bayonet definitely does show wear. The blade has been sharpened several times, and is currently relatively sharp. The scabbard also shows wear, and had the fittings painted over at one point, which is now partly worn away. One of the wooden grip scales is unfortunately cracked with a piece missing.

A very nice British P-1907 bayonet with scabbard, ready to display or fit to your WWI SMLE rifle!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 17″
Blade Style: Single Edge with Fuller
Overall length: 21 3/4″
Crossguard: 2 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 17 1/2″

History of the P-1907 Bayonet
The British “Pattern of 1907” Bayonet was developed for the No.1 MkIII Enfield rifle, often called the SHT.LE, SMLE, S.M.L.E., “Smelly” etc. The P-1907 replaced the earlier P-1903 bayonet, which was a double edged bayonet based on the P-1888 bayonet of the Lee-Metford rifle. The P-1903 had been developed for the “Long” Magazine Lee-Enfield, which was 49.6 inches in overall length. With the introduction of the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield in 1904, the 12 inch bayonet was no longer considered long enough for the 44.6 inch SMLE, so the 17 inch bladed 1907 was developed.

In it’s original form, the P-1907 had a hooked guard (quillon), which was then removed from the pattern in early WWI due to the questionable use and increased production time. Unlike the 1903, the 1907 had a single edged blade that was less wide, but made of thicker stock.