Shortened British 1907 Pattern Bayonet by Vickers dated 1917

*Shortened British 1907 Pattern Bayonet by Vickers dated 1917*

A shortened WW1 British 1907 Pattern Bayonet with fullered single edged blade. This is marked on one side of the ricasso with the crown cyper GR (GR - Georgius Rex was used in place of ER from 1910, the Latinised version of his name Edward Rex), the pattern "1907", the V logo, the month and year of manufacture " 11 17", the makers name "Vickers", on the reverse is the X' bend-test mark, a broad arrow government acceptance mark, and one or more Royal Small Arms Factory appointed inspector's marks.

The Pattern 1907 bayonet, officially called the Sword bayonet, pattern 1907 (Mark I), was a British bayonet designed to be used with the Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) rifle. The Pattern 1907 bayonet was used by the British and Commonwealth forces throughout both the First and Second World Wars. The Pattern 1907 bayonet consisted of a one-piece steel blade and tang, with a cross guard and pommel made from wrought iron or mild steel, and a wooden grip secured to the tang by two screws. Originally the bayonet featured a hooked lower quillion intended for trapping an enemy's bayonet and possibly disarming opponents when grappling. This was later deemed impractical and replaced with a simpler design from 1913.

305mm blade, 425mm total.

*Condition*
The blade is in good condition commensurate with its age, with blueing remaining however it has been poorly shortened to 305mm versus the more standard 432mm. The press stud does not work. The scabbard is missing. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.