'DP' - Drill Purpose

With British military items:- Firearms and Edged Weapons, if they are no longer serviceable for the use with which they were designed, but a use is seen for them as 'Training Aids'... 'DP' will be stamped into the item where it can clearly be seen... as illustrated below...



In this particular case, its on the end of the pommel of a Pattern-1907 Sword Bayonet. What use would this have been put to?

1) Bayonet Fighting.



As well as the standard sprung loaded - Musket, Fencing, Short (Mk.II), '07's having been designated as 'DP' would have the point ground off (as with this example)...



...and be used along with purpose made equipment (as in the case of the above illustrated item)... and actually be attached to the SMLE (possibly 'DP' itself) as it was designed to be used.

2) Ceremonial.



For ceremonial purposes, this item (the lower of the two illustrated above) would only be used by the Battalion Colour Party. As there are two guards for each of the Battalion and King's / Queen's Colour, with bayonets fixed. It is imperative to save the Colour from damage... hence the rounded point to the bayonet.



The more acceptable method of ensuring that no damage occurs to the Colour, is by the use of the Bayonet End-Cap (illustrated). These are made of hallmarked Sterling Silver, and slip neatly over the bayonet point. As will be noted, the tip of End-Cap is tipped with a ball.

Is the " tip protector" government marked ?

Wow, Sarge.You sure do know lotsa stuff! Good thing your on this forum..lots to learn from you!

(YOU MUST WEAR EARPLUGS @ NIGHT, SO ALL THIS INFO DOESN'T LEAK OUT!)

Your kinda knowledge must come from "living experience"
Hoadie

hoadie wrote: (YOU MUST WEAR EARPLUGS @ NIGHT, SO ALL THIS INFO DOESN'T LEAK OUT!) Your kinda knowledge must come from "living experience" Hoadie

No.. never wear earplugs! I snore LOAD... lets the pressure out!

In reference to the experience side of things. Having served in some of the places I did whilst in the military, certainly got me into a few privileged locations. The pattern room at Enfield, and the Museum at the School of Musketry being just two. I've been able to handle some really rare military items... a chance-in-a-lifetime really. The groups within the hobby whom I associated with over the years, they have been a treasure trove of information. Its not purely the amount of information that one is able to amass though... its what one does with it.

With quite a lot of what one learns, its always best to do ones own research in follow-up. In that way, one gets a better understanding. One also uncovers more on the subject in question. No two individuals will research the same subject in the same way.

What I have also learned over the years as the knowledge of my chosen subgect has grown, is that one learns where certain items can be found... and when. Who not to approach, what to walk away from, and what items are best aquired.... are all learnt by keeping ones eyes and ears open. Mistakes are made... but we all learn from them, or should do!

BlackAck...

It certainly is true sometimes!

paddyofurniture wrote: I tip my mug to you Sir!

Wow Sarge, true words. I too have been on a long learning experience.(Primarily US Civil War)Been a truly enlightening & rewarding hobby.Although I don't limit my horizon to that conflict, I am always amazed @ the sacrifice & dedication of the average citizen/soldier.Ordinary people, that do unbelievably EXTRA ORDINARY feats.
I was lucky enough to have had some GREAT conversations with 1st war vets, back in my early Legion days-they're all gone now.I have had similar talks with 2nd war & Korean vets. Things NEVER change in war..young men die,unbelievable sacrifices are made. At the end of the day - the combatants could've been best of friends, under other circumstances.(I actually worked with a pair like that.They were on opposite sides of the same battle.Here-they worked together, ate together, socialized together..& were the godparents for each other's kids.)
Keep up feeding us the info..its appreciated!

& keep history alive!!LEST WE FORGET!
Hoadie

We shall never forget.

Memorial day is a remembering day in my family. I am a veteran of the military as are all my male family members, and a some female members as well.

On Memorial day I put on my old round dress cap and go out to fire a shot.

I come home and have a shot ( Jack Daniels) to remember the people who made our Counties Great and Free.

Next I pray for family, friends serving in the Military and for my family. I learned this from my Father who learned it from his Father.

Someday I will be only a photo or two and my hat will be relic to sit on a shelf.

Let us never forget what Memorial day means.

Ed

Thanks Hoadie.