Original Canadian WWI Mk.I Ross Rifle Bayonet and Scabbard with U.S. WWI Surcharges – dated 1909 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Ross rifle is a straight-pull bolt action .303 inch-calibre rifle that was produced in Canada from 1903 until 1918. The Ross Mk.II (or “model 1905”) rifle was highly successful in target shooting before World War I, but the close chamber tolerances, lack of primary extraction and overall length made the Mk.III (or “1910”) Ross rifle unsuitable for the conditions of trench warfare, exacerbated by the often poor quality ammunition issued. By 1916, the rifle had been withdrawn from front line service, but continued to be used by many snipers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force until the end of the war due to its exceptional accuracy.

This is an early Mk. I example, with the extended muzzle ring and the pinned pommel, and is in very good condition. A flat spring was inserted inside the muzzle ring to remedy problems with the bayonet separating from the rifle. There are multiple dents / small cuts on the blade side of the guard, so this bayonet may have been used in rifle fencing practice. The bayonet itself is dated 10 – 09 for October of 1909, and has proof and acceptance marks stamped into the wood and steel of the handle. The other side of the handle is marked with the manufacturer information:

ROSS RIFLE Co.
QUEBEC
PATENTED 1907

Many Ross bayonets had their blade profile drastically altered during WW I to provide a sharper point. However, this example is exactly as it left the Ross Rifle Co., Quebec, Canada factory in 1910, and is in very good shape. The original factory grind marks can be seen in areas of the hollow ground blade, though it has been sharpened a bit. IT also does have some staining and light peppering on the bright blade. The lock mechanism functions correctly, and the spring in the barrel ring is still present.

The scabbard for this bayonet is also in very good condition. The leather body is marked on the back with proof marks, as well as L.R.C. / 1 – 09, indicating production in January of 1909. The scabbard is complete with most stitching intact, and the expected wear to the leather from being over 100 years old. The scabbard body has shrunk a bit, so the drag end is a bit larger due to internal reinforcing. The back of the frog looks to have additional dates and unit markings, which are unfortunately only partially legible, but could be a great research opportunity.

In 1917, the U.S. Government purchased 20,000 Ross rifles and bayonets from Canada. These were intended for use in troop training due to the shortage of rifles and bayonets during the First World War. They were marked with U.S. and the Ordnance Dept. “flaming bomb” acceptance mark. This bayonet and scabbard were both accepted into U.S. Army service, as indicated by the U.S. surcharges on the leather of the scabbard and wood of the grip.

An very example of a rare bayonet, with an interesting history and signs of real use. Ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10 1/8″
Blade Style: Single Edge Hollow Ground
Overall length: 14 5/8“
Crossguard: 3 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 10 7/8″