Enfield-Rifles.com Homepage
Forum Home Forum Home > Enfields > Enfield Bayonets
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - 1907 Wilkinson Bayonet Scabbard ?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

1907 Wilkinson Bayonet Scabbard ?

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
musketjon View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: August 27 2014
Location: S. Commiefornia
Status: Offline
Points: 53
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote musketjon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: 1907 Wilkinson Bayonet Scabbard ?
    Posted: September 01 2014 at 3:12pm
I have a 1907 Wilkinson bayonet. My question is about the scabbard. It is a black leather (1907?) scabbard. The throat and end pieces are painted black. I can see no markings on it any where. The button for the frog is tear drop shaped, not round. Any ideas what it is, or maybe who made it?
Thanks
Jon
Back to Top
Sarge View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: April 20 2013
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 495
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sarge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 02 2014 at 10:32pm
musketjon... posting a pic or two would be a great help, not only for yourself... but for others who may have the answer.

I have been collecting the British Pattern-1907 Sword Bayonet for a number of decades now, and have come across what you describe on many an occasion. I have several examples in my collection.

In Great Britain during WW2, the 'Home Guard' had a tendency to paint every metal part of their weapons (bayonets especially) either: Black, Green, or Brown... all in aid of assisting camouflage. Weapons previously painted in such a way, showing the residue of such action... are not rare, and one comes across such items (especially the bayonets) on quite a regular basis. So... you could very well have one of those items.

As to manufacturers marking! Like the SMLE service rifle, the '07' bayonet has had quite a lengthy service history. The scabbard body, being made of leather, tends to wear out at different rates, depending upon what service conditions the item has been used under. British made items will have makers marks stamped into the leather on the reverse side---> either side of the scabbard seam... normally from the top to mid way. Replacement American made items tend to be void of markings upon the leather, and are more supple. Makers marks upon the metal parts of the scabbard (Locket = top, Chape = tip) will be found either above or below the metal staple. Such stampings, should they be present, only indicate who the manufacturer of the metal item was. Due to refurbishment during the scabbards service history, all three items---> Locket, Scabbard body, Chape.... could be from different manufacturers and time periods.

As an added interest... due to your '07' being manufactured by the firm of 'WILKINSON', it could be either a WW1 or WW2 item. This will be determined upon the blades left ricasso stamping.
For WW1, it will be either of the following:-
1) WILKINSON
2) WILKINSON PALL MALL
For WW2, it will be:-
1) WSC S294

Also, stamped upon the same ricasso will be the manufacture date in the form of two separate sets of numerals = MM/YY, e.g.; 12 18 = December 1918.

Which brings me back to my opening sentence... 'Photograph's please!'
This is MY rifle, there are many like, but this one... is MINE!
Back to Top
musketjon View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: August 27 2014
Location: S. Commiefornia
Status: Offline
Points: 53
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote musketjon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 02 2014 at 11:52pm
I'll try to get some up tonight. Thanks for the info.
Jon
Back to Top
musketjon View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: August 27 2014
Location: S. Commiefornia
Status: Offline
Points: 53
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote musketjon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 03 2014 at 8:31am
Here's a couple of pics.
Jon

Back to Top
Sarge View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: April 20 2013
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 495
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sarge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 03 2014 at 3:45pm
Your bayonet is certainly the genuine item. But lets see a few good pics of the scabbard. Looking at the distance shot.... it could be any maker.
This is MY rifle, there are many like, but this one... is MINE!
Back to Top
musketjon View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: August 27 2014
Location: S. Commiefornia
Status: Offline
Points: 53
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote musketjon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 12 2014 at 2:50pm
Sarge, et. al.
Here's the requisite pictures.
Jon
The only markings I can find on the scabbard itself.






Back to Top
Sarge View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: April 20 2013
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 495
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sarge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 13 2014 at 2:30am
Ayup Jon...

Its always better to post a pic or two to illustrate what one's enquiry is about. Thank you for posting.

The scabbard is most definitely a replacement item, and is not of the same time period as your bayonet. The 'W' part of the scabbard stamping denotes that the overall finish of the scabbard is termed as 'Waxed'. This modification appeared approx. 1923. The remainder of the scabbard stamping gives the manufacturer and manufacture date.

For the latter part of the scabbard stamping I have to admit to being caught slightly off-guard. Getting oneself back into the swing can have a few drawbacks... for my section of these particular records are in hardcopy, and still stored away with a good section of my reference volumes. At the earliest... I'll retrieve them at the beginning of the week.

Unless... can anyone else help out here?

Seph.
This is MY rifle, there are many like, but this one... is MINE!
Back to Top
musketjon View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: August 27 2014
Location: S. Commiefornia
Status: Offline
Points: 53
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote musketjon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 13 2014 at 3:26am
Thank you, Sarge.
I'll be waiting to see what kind of light can be shed on this.
Jon
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.04
Copyright ©2001-2021 Web Wiz Ltd.