An original British private purchase 1888 Pattern Mk. III Magazine Lee-Enfield (MLE) bayonet, 1st Type variation. Apposed to the standard 1888 Mk. I and Mk. II patterns, the oil hole is in the pommel rather than through the grips. The earlier 1st Type bayonets were re-gripped from Mk. II bayonets were issued from 1895 until 1903, when the 1903 Pattern and 1888 Mk. III, 2nd Type were introduced. Produced outside official government contracts, private purchase examples were commonly obtained by officers and colonial units. This bayonet follows the standard 1888 Pattern design, with a double-edged blade, steel crossguard with muzzle ring, and two-piece wooden grips secured by brass rivets and washers. The pommel incorporates the standard push-button release catch. Unlike issue examples, private purchase bayonets were typically unmarked or carried commercial maker’s stamps rather than government inspection marks.
Marked on the ricasso of the blade “Wilkinson” on one side and with the bend test “X” marking on the other. The top of the pommel is marked on”32″ and on the scabbard “95”, which may be the date 1895.
Dimensions
Overall length (bayonet): approx. 16.5 inches (42cm)
Blade length: approx. 12 inches (30cm)
Overall length (in scabbard): approx. 17.25 inches (44cm)
Condition
Acceptable. Blade is clean, with light rust patches and signs of resharpening, likely during its working life. The wooden grips are chipped and bruised in several places, but are securely fixed. The pommel and locking catch are functional; however, both are fairly beaten up. The scabbard is in fairly good condition; however has a 2cm-3cm split in both sides of the scabbard towards the top.
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