Interesting British WW1 SMLE 1907 Pattern Wilkinson Bayonet with Scabbard and Scarce Canadian Pattern 1915 Frog

Here on offer is a British WW1 SMLE 1907 pattern Wilkinson bayonet with scabbard and scarce Canadian Pattern 1915 brown leather frog.

All the metal fittings on the bayonet and scabbard have been painted black, with some signs of chipping and light surface rust.

The black paint possibly means this bayonet has a Royal Navy connection?

The grip still retains its original smooth dark wooden grip slabs, that are held in place by the original grip screw nuts and bolts.

On the pommel the release button still works perfectly and, on the front, it has been stamped with:

X X
0432

The “X X” would normally refer to the markings for the regimental unit, but I can’t find a reference to “X X” in any of my reference material or online? If anybody knows, please drop me an email.

0432 possibly refers to an issue number or a rack number in the regimental arsenal?

The steel blade is in excellent condition, no nicks, just some slight greying to the finish and light scratches, that may well polish out.

One side of the ricasso stamped with a Crown over G.R., the reign mark, 1907 the pattern date and 8 17, for August 1917 the issue date. There is also the maker’s name "WILKINSON", which is slightly rubbed.

The other side carries the War Department 'Broad Arrow' an ‘X’ which is the bend mark and three separate Enfield inspection marks, two are faint. The what I think are the numbers 18 and 38 along with an R are also stamped which I believe indicates it was reissued in 1918 and 1938, so was used in WW2 as well.

The scabbard is in excellent condition, the leather is firm and has no cracks or splits and all the stitching is secure. The number 434 is stamped on the top of the metal throat mount and the letters RE on the front of the lower metal fitting. This version has the earlier round frog stud and the metal fittings are securely held in place by their original staples.



On the reverse, the leather is stamped with

J. W. B.
18

along with a faint Broad Arrow and acceptance mark.


J. W. B. refers to the scabbard maker, J. W. Brown(e) of Birmingham and 18 the year of manufacture, 1918.

Now the frog is a scarce Canadian Pattern 1915 Infantry belt frog, that was made to carry the P 1907 bayonet. I believe these where only made from 1915 to 1917.

This excellent brown leather belt frog is fixed with six brass rivets and a strap with a brass buckle.

It is stamped on the front with a crisp Canadian ownership mark: Broad arrow in a C.

There is also what looks like a date reference: 6 22, probably a reissue date and in large black letters, T T S, possibly the maker, which I can’t identify?

These frogs are really hard to find and this one is in excellent condition. They are selling on their own for over £150.

This bayonet came to me fitted with this frog so that is how I am selling it, as I think they have been together for many years.

The blade measures 17” (43.2cm) long and the bayonet is 21.9” (55.5cm) in total length.

It weighs a heavy 785g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

Code: 51186