Description
Australian Pattern 1907 manufactured at Lithgow in May 1942 (ricasso marked 5 ’42 along with “MA/1907/1). Other side of ricasso is marked with MA, X (bend mark) and a broad arrow.
Bayonet has been remodelled by shortening the blade to 256mm (10 1/8in), reshaping the tip to a point and sharpening. Following the modifications it has been been blackened. Also to note that the date on the grips has been heavily overstamped with “42” under the original faint SLAZ logo. The refurbishment or alteration was undertaken in 1942 as the typical refurbishment markings are stamped to the hilt i.e. R – 42 followed by the broad arrow
Original rifle issue number C29158 is seen stamped to the pommel.
Of particular interest is the special webbing scabbard. Its purpose was originally thought to be for Special Air Services, however, there is now thought, through the recently revised British Commonwealth Bayonets and Fighting Knives book by Ian Skennerton and Brian Labudda, that they may have been made for Navy Seals. The scabbard has been made by Mills Equipment Company and is stamped to the back “ME Co. 1943 followed by the broad arrow”.