*British, WW1, 1907 Pattern Sword Bayonet by Wilkinson dated 1917, with 1915 H.G.R. Scabbard*
A fine original British Pattern 1907 sword bayonet with hooked quillon removed, manufactured by Wilkinson Sword Co. Ltd, London, and dated November 1917. The ricasso is crisply marked with the crown over “G.R.” (George Rex), “1907,” “11 ’17,” and “WILKINSON,” together with a broad arrow government acceptance mark. The reverse ricasso carries a clear series of Enfield inspection and bend test stamps, consistent with late Great War manufacture.
The hilt retains its original wooden grips secured by two domed screws, with working press-stud and internal spring catch. Blade length approximately 43.1 cm (17 inches), overall length 55.6 cm (22 inches). The blade shows a clean patina with no post-war refinishing, maintaining its original fullered profile.
Housed in its correct steel-mounted leather scabbard, the leather body is clearly stamped “H.G.R. ’15” — attributed to Hepburn, Gale & Ross Ltd., London, a known assembler and leather contractor to the War Department. During the Great War, scabbards and bayonets were often paired from different makers, with components drawn from government stockpiles rather than matching sets. This example, pairing a Wilkinson 1917 blade with a 1915 H.G.R. scabbard, is therefore entirely regulation and period-correct. The steel locket bears a small crown inspection mark, typical of government-inspected scabbard fittings of the Great War period. The mark is partially struck and not fully legible
Historical Note: The Pattern 1907 bayonet was introduced for the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle and remained the standard British issue through both World Wars. This example, produced late in 1917 by Wilkinson, saw widespread use in trench warfare and was later reissued during the Second World War.
Condition Excellent overall condition for age. Blade retains much original finish with light age toning; ricasso markings sharp and legible. Grips firm and undamaged with light handling marks only. Scabbard leather supple and seams intact with light service wear and small surface abrasions. Steel fittings show expected patina and light oxidation, all stable. Mechanically sound with functional catch. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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