Rivalling the Mauser both in terms of use and reputation was the British Lee-Enfield 0.303-inch rifle, which was issued to virtually all British soldiers on the Western Front (and many elsewhere). First produced in 1907 and officially titled the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) Mark III, the name was derived from its designer (James Lee, an American) and its manufacturer (the Royal Small Arms Factory based in Enfield, London). Unlike the Mauser the Lee-Enfield, with its ten-cartridge magazine, was well suited to rapid fire; a suitably trained soldier could expect to fire twelve well-aimed shots a minute. The Lee-Enfield proved so sturdy and reliable that its use continued into World War Two. Its design was also incorporated into both U.S. and Canadian models.
This is a sword/knife - too short for a sword, too long for a knife - manufactured to fit the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No.1 series Infantry Rifles used during WWI and WWII. The are very basic in appearance and are not of the high quality stock of previously manufactured patterns. The hilt incorporates a very basic steel "bird's head" pommel (with or without oil hole) with push-button/internal-spring latch, steel crossguard. the grips are of wood and are usually held in place by two screw/nut assemblies. All steel parts are usually blued. The blade is a single-edge type, single fullered (both sides) and is usually found with the ricasso portion - if not the entire blade - blued. These are found in a number of variations with the most rare being the early "hooked quillon" type similar to the Japanese Arisaka or Type 30 . Various British proofs and manufacturer's marks are usually on the ricasso, both sides. The scabbards are of blued steel-mounted (throat and drag only) black leather body, with a single round - or oval - "frog" stud. This bayonet was the predecessor to the British Pattern 1913/14 and the US Model 1913/17 series. These were also manufactured by a number of British Commonwealth countries all distinctly marked with their own unique markings, i.e., Australia, India and Canada.
Pattern 1907 made by Wilkinson at 1908 in Mk. II scabbard.
Another Pattern 1907 made by Wilkinson at 1908, in Remington made Mk. II scabbard.
Repro. Date 1914 is impossible, last quillion-07's were made 1913.
Pattern 1907 made by Wilkinson at 1918 in Mk. II scabbard.
Pattern 1907 made by Remington (US) at 1915 in Remington made Mk. II scabbard.
No. 1 Mk.I
A very good WW2 British 1907 Bayonet made by WSC (Wilkinson) and dated 9/43. The ricasso is also marked S294. This bayonet fits the SMLE but was actually designed to fit the 9MM Lanchester SMG which was mainly issued to the Navy.
NO.23 DISCHARGE CUP FOR NO.23 RIFLE GRENADE
