British Pattern 1907 bayonet, manufactured by Wilkinson in 1918 for use with the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle. Introduced alongside the SMLE, the Pattern 1907 bayonet features a long, single-edged, single-fullered blade, a simple crossguard with an integral muzzle ring and wooden grip scales secured to the hilt. The design was initially based on the Japanese Type 30 bayonet and remained in British service through the First World War and beyond.
This example bears the Wilkinson manufacturer’s markings and a 1918 date, placing its production in the final year of the First World War. The additional Royal Air Force (RAF) unit marking indicates subsequent service or inventory identification, making the bayonet of particular interest to collectors of British military edged weapons and early RAF equipment. The RAF was formed in April 1918, and military stores could be marked to identify their unit allocation or ownership.
Marked on the ricasso “(Tudor crown) 1907, 11′ (1)8, Wilkinson” on one side, the reverse marked with various inspectors’ marks. Marked on the pommel “R.A.F. / 1E / 2867”, the throat of the scabbard also has an “RAF” marking.
Dimensions
Blade length: 435mm
Overall length: 557mm
Condition
Good, little finish remains, although it may have had a high polish originally. Most of the exterior metalwork has some discolouration, with the chape showing mild pitting.
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