British 1903 Pattern Bayonet and 1st Pattern Leather Scabbard

*British 1903 Pattern Bayonet and 1st Pattern Leather Scabbard*

1903 Pattern Bayonet for use with the .303 caliber Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield No. I Mk. III (SMLE) rifle. This rifle was the British mainstay during World War I. The SMLE also saw extensive use by Commonwealth countries during the Second World War. The Pattern 1903 design combined the Pattern 1888 blade and crosspiece, with a new pommel design. The P1903 had a short service life, as the blade length was determined insufficient when combined with the shorter rifle. The P1903 was produced for British use from 1903–1907, at which time the P1907 was adopted.

This P1903 is marked on the ricasso with the crown cypher and the letters ER followed by 1903 and the production date 8, 04 on the obverse is the war arrow, the makers mark EFD which indicates that it was produced at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (RSAF Enfield), inspection stamps and the X bend test mark. The spine has the number 2 on one side and crown cypher followed by 95 on the reverse - suggesting that it was originally an 1888 pattern bayonet that was repurposed. the tang has a V. The wooden grip has RES-DY 415 etched in the grip suggesting it was Royal Engineers. 30cm double edged blade. The blade has a flattened diamond cross-section with a raised medial ridge and terminates in a spear point.

The 1st pattern leather scabbard has the number 582 stamped on the troat and is also stamped with the war arrow, EFD and has a further war arrow on the finial. Interestingly it also has two boy scout badges on the frog probably added by the owner.

*Condition*
The bayonet is in excellent condition given its age. The grip has the knocks and dings commensurate with a bayonet this age but is in good complete condition and the press stud works well. The 1st pattern leather scabbard is in good condition though the integrated frog has torn from the throat and it is split along the throat of the scabbard. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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