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This pair of British swords were originally produced for use with the 1853 Artillery Carbine Model. They were converted in 1867 to fit the Martini-Henry Carbine (shortened, carbine version of Weapon No 4) and Rifle (Weapon No 362).
Weapon No 296
Bayonets Sabre (16' d'Arms de Chat 7 Ba 1874) (Pair)
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This MLE 74 Bayonet can be called the first modern bayonet to be issued to the French Army, for it replaced the clumsy sword bayonets of the previous three decades. It was designed by a commission headed by General Basile Gras, whose name is usually attached to both the rifle and the bayonet. This bayonet is for use with the Rifle Chatelleraut M1874/80 (Gras), Weapon No 41.
Weapon No 299
Bayonet (Common Socket) Indian Patt Musket (1780)
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A British triangular socket bayonet, used on the early flintlock muskets.
Weapon No 300
Bayonet (Fluted) for Rifle 8 mm M07/15 (Mann/Berthier Lebel)
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When the French adopted the Fusil 2 Infanterie Modelle 1886, the famous Lebel, they also adopted one of the most famous bayonets issued. With modifications, this continued in use throughout both world wars as the standard infantry bayonet of the French Army. This bayonet was used with Weapon No 112.
Weapon No 301
Bayonet for Rifle 11 mm Chassepot M66/74
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A later version of the Epee Baionnette MLE 74 (Weapon No 296), which was used on the Rifle 11 mm Chassepot M66/74 (Weapon No 37). This bayonet was made at St Etienne in 1879.
Weapon No 302
Bayonet Sabre for Rifle 11 mm M74/77 (Gras)
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The Sabre Baionnette MLE 1842 was similar to its predecessor except that the weak brass guard has been replaced by a stronger wrought iron one and the blade has been lengthened to just over 22 inches. This was used on Weapon No 42.
Weapon No 303
Bayonet Mauser
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One of the many German bayonets which have come to be called 'Ersatz' (German for substitute) bayonets. There are unfortunately so many minor variations that it is almost impossible to give a precise description, but just accept their existence. The introduction of these bayonets dates back to 1916, when Germany was desperate for large quantities of arms, but was feeling the shortage of raw materials, and so the production of such non-essentials as service bayonets was severely curtailed. Attempts were made to supplement the regular issue with these simplified patterns. These were made up of existing bayonets of all types and modified to fit on to all types of rifles. This particular bayonet was used on the Belgian manufactured Mauser M1924/30 (Weapon No 82).
Weapon No 304
Bayonet Carbine (KAR 98K) Mauser
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This is known as Knife Bayonet S84/98 and was in service from 1915 to 1945.
This was used on GFW 98
Weapon No 305
Bayonet Saw Edge (Erfurt) Rifle Mauser '98
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This bayonet is probably the most famous of the many different models used by the German Armies throughout World War 1. Its official designation is 'SEITENGEWEHR 98/05' (often abbreviated to S98/05), with '98' standing for the rifle and carbine with which it was used and '05' standing for the year it was officially adopted. The saw-backed version was carried by the Pioneers and the plain pattern by the Infantry and Foot Artillery. This was used with Weapon No 79 and Weapon No 85.
Weapon No 306
Bayonet No 7 Mk I (Land) for Rifle No 4 and Sten Mk 5
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A British bayonet introduced on a limited scale in 1946, but only the Guards and a few other selected units ever received it. The blade is that of the No 5 Rifle Bayonet and the No 5 crosspiece was used without alteration, although its purpose was not to support the bayonet on the rifle, owing to the fact that the rifle barrel did not protrude past the pommel socket. The large diameter muzzle ring of the crosspiece permitted passage of the bullet through it and ensured that stock components could be used wherever possible. Used with Weapon No 12 and Weapon No 189.
Weapon No 307
Bayonet No 4 Mk II for Rifle No 4
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This bayonet was introduced in 1940 and was a wartime version of the Mk I, in which further simplifications were made. On this model the blade is of circular section and tapers to a screwdriver point and it is made of a one piece forging, so that the blade and socket are one. Many of these bayonets were made under contract in the USA and all are marked with the model designation and name or trade mark of the maker (usually Stevens-Savage, whose mark was 'S'). Made for use with Rifle No 4 (Weapon No 12).
Weapon No 308
Bayonet for Lebel Rifle M1916 (Mannlicher-Berthier)
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During World War 1, more improvements were made with the adoption of the 'Epee-Baionnette MLE 86/93/16'. The press stud was again redesigned and the bayonets were manufactured without the 'Quillion'. Some of the MLE 86 and MLE 86/93 bayonets were modified by removing the 'Quillion', but the majority escaped this alteration. The two altered types 'Pre 1916' and 'Post 1916' cannot be confused. The former has a curved side (facing the blade) from which the quillion was removed, while the latter has a rectangular form. Most of these bayonets made during and after 1916 had brass hilts in place of the earlier white metal type. This is a Model 86/93 that escaped modification and was used with Weapon No 113.
Weapon No 309
Sabre Bayonet for the Verndl Rifle
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Officially designated the Sabelbajonett Modell 1867, this is in fact
a shortened version of that model which was officially sanctioned about
1877/80. The blade was shortened by approx 4 inches and some of the muzzle
rings have been bushed, probably for use with some of the later Mannlicher
Rifles or for some of the obsolete German rifles used by Austro-Hungarian
troops during World War 1. This bayonet can be used with
Weapon No 310
Bayonet Long (Triangular) Martini-Henry
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This bayonet was the predecessor of Weapon No 295 and also used on the Martini-Henry. These old triangular bayonets became obsolete with the smooth-bore musket. It was not officially abolished however until the introduction of the Lee-Metford in 1888. This was used with Weapon No 362.
Weapon No 311
Bayonet Fluted (Four) Chisel Point
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This bayonet was designed to be used with the Berdan Rifle which was developed by General (Civil War Colonel) Hiram S Berdan. It was used to some extent in the Civil War and, in 1868/70, the Russians purchased 30,000 of the Berdan I Rifle, from which they developed the Berdan II. This bayonet bears the mark 'II', denoting it was for use with the Russian developed rifle.
Weapon No 312
Bayonet Triangular Common Socket - Prior to 1814
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A pattern bayonet used on British smooth bore muskets prior to 1814. This model dates from about 1750.
Weapon No 348
Bayonets No 5
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Designed for use on the Rifle No 5 Mk 1.
Weapon No 349
Bayonet No 4 Mk II
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Data as for Weapon No 307.
Weapon No 350
Bayonet No 9 Mk I
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Towards the end of the World War 2, no doubt influenced by criticism of the spike bayonets voiced by troops in the field, the British Authorities decided to develop a knife bayonet. This resulted in the marriage of the socket and locking mechanism of the No 4 Spiked Bayonet and the blade of the No 5 Bayonet. The whole thing was very complex and awkward in the hand.
Weapon No 351
Bayonet No 3 Mk I US Pattern
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The Bayonets issued with the .303 inch Pattern 1914 rifle were the British sword Bayonet Pattern 1913 and the US Bayonet M1917. With the exception of a very small quantity of P13 Bayonets made during 1915 by Vickers Armstrong Limited, all were made in the USA by Remington or Winchester. The early P13 examples sent to Britain by the American makers were produced without the oil hole in the pommel, but in 1916 instructions were issued to all British manufacturers to add this alteration to future production. Armourers were also instructed to carry out this modification when bayonets were returned to store or submitted for repair. These exhibits are all US Bayonets M17. Two of the three held still require the oil hole to be drilled.
Museum Numbers - E:02.0157 and E:02.0157.01
Weapon No 354
Bayonet Rifle No 1 Mk I
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Officially designated Pattern 1888 Mk 1, this is a knife-type bayonet approved for use with the Lee-Metford rifle. There were several models of this bayonet, each one differing only in some small design feature. The one in the collection was the second type issued, but was still designated Pattern 1888 Mk 1 and differed only in the method of fixing the grips. Both the first and second type of this pattern were made by RSAF Enfield Lock in 1888 and 1889 respectively.
In 1893, Sanderson of Sheffield produced one with a slightly different design of blade. This was known as the Bayonet Pattern 1888 Mk I Second Pattern. Another model Bayonet Pattern 1888 Mk II was produced by Wilkinson Sword Company of London in 1897 for use with the Lee-Enfield rifle and in 1901 RSAF Enfield Lock produced a Mk III model.
A number of changes were, of course, necessary due to modifications to the rifle, which directly affected the design of the Bayonet.
Weapon No 355
Bayonet No 1 Mk I (SMLE)
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This was introduced at the beginning of 1907 along with the rifle, short magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III (SMLE Mk III) and was designated sword Bayonet pattern 1907. It was the result of trials held with a variety of hybrid designs utilising the best features of contemporary foreign Bayonets. This final choice owed much to the Japanese 30th Year Bayonet. It was originally produced with a long swept forward quillon on the steel guard. This was found to have little practical use and was officially abandoned in 1913.
Weapon No 356
Bayonet Waffenfabric Mauser
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Probably the most famous of the many different models used by the German Armies throughout World War 1. Its official designation is 'Seitenge Gewehr 98/05' (often abbreviated to S98/05, where '98' is for the rifle and carbine with which it was issued and '05' for the year of its official adoption). There was a saw-backed version which was carried by the pioneers, the plain pattern by the Infantry and the Foot Artillery. This was one of the few German Bayonets to exist in plain and saw-backed varieties, where the latter was not considered solely as NCOs issue.
Weapon No 357
Bayonet Triangular (Enfield 1853)
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This particular model was produced for use with the .577 inch muzzle loading Enfield Rifle of 1853. These socket type bayonets first appeared in the 17th or early 18th Century. The blade appeared in various shapes before the triangular blade was finally adopted. With various modifications, this triangular socket Bayonet remained as the standard Army weapon until 1888.
Weapon No 358
Bayonet Triangular (Martini-Henry)
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Detail as for Weapon No 310. During the Zulu war, the South Wales Borderers were equipped with the Martini-Henry rifle and these Bayonets. They fought with such distinction at the defence of Rorke's Drift in 1879, when seven members of the Regiment and three of the attached personnel were awarded the Victoria Cross in one day.
Weapon No 359
Bayonet Triangular (Tower Musket)
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Detail as for Weapon No 312.
Weapon No 393
Epee Baionnette M86 with Scabbard
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When the French adopted the Fusil d'Infantrie Modele 1886, the famous Lebel, they also adopted this most famous of French bayonets. With modifications, this continued in use throughout both world wars as the standard infantry bayonet.
A presentation from Major-General H Macdonald-Smith.
Weapon No 394
Bayonet Model '74 (St Etienne 1880)
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Detail as for Weapon No 301.
A presentation from Major-General H Macdonald-Smith.
Weapon No 395
Pair of Sword Bayonet Martini-Henry Artillery Carbine Mk I Patt 1879
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The designation P1879 was rarely used, mainly because the so-called P1875 which fitted the same rifle had been discarded as obsolete when the P1879 type appeared. It may be found, less the saw back, which was done after 1903.
A presentation from Major-General H Macdonald-Smith.
Weapon No 414
Bayonet Patt '88 Mk 2 with Scabbard Patt '88 Mk I (Land)
Introduced when the Lee-Metford Rifle was taken into service in 1888. Various marks were produced with slight alterations to accommodate the alterations to the rifle. This bayonet was made by Cancersons of Sheffield.
Donated by Brigadier A W Reading OBE MC TD.
Weapon No 415
Bayonet No 7 (Land)
Detail as for Weapon No 306.
Donated by Brigadier A W Reading OBE MC TD.
Weapon No 416
Epee Baionnette MLE 86/93 with Scabbard MLE 86
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Originally the MLE 86 C1889 Model. It fitted the famous Lebel Rifle 1886. During World War 1, in 1915, improvements were made to the press stud and the quillons were removed. In 1935, the original 86s were modified, some incorrectly. This bayonet was shortened but the quillons were not removed.
Donated by Brigadier A W Reading OBE MC TD.
Weapon No 417
Sabre Bayonet 1866
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Officially known as the Baionnette Modele 1866 Series 'Z' and used with the Chassepot Needle Gun. During the Franco-Prussion War, two categories were made. Those made in the period Deuxieme Empire are abbreviated 'MTE Impale De', those after the fall of Napoleon II 'Mte d'Armes De'. After the fall of France to the Prussians, many M'66 MLE were converted to fit the GEW '71. Some of these bayonets were used as late as World War 2 in the hands of Garde Nationale. This bayonet was made by 16' Arms de Chattelleraut 7 Ba 1874 and was used with the Chatelleraut Rifle.
Donated by Brigadier A W Reading OBE MC TD.
Weapons No 418 and 419
Scabbard M1887-1890 (Turkish) & Bayonet M1917 (US)
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The bayonet was made by the Remington Arms Co USA in 1918. Designed
from the British Patt '07, the muzzle ring is larger and the crosspiece
longer. Two cuts across the grips prevent confusion with the British Patt
1907. The bayonet has had the guard removed and is fitted to a Turkish
scabbard, probably due to World War 2. It fits the Turkish Mausers
Donated by Brigadier A W Reading OBE MC TD.
Weapon No 420
Bayonet M95 with Scabbard M95
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Issued to Engineers, Artillery and Cyclists of the Netherlands Army. Made by the Hembrug Arsenal in 1895. This bayonet is slightly longer than the infantry type. The British Rigby Pattern had a strong influence upon this bayonet. There are three types, differing at the guards and the pommels, depending on the type of Mannlicher Rifle used. This type was used on the carbine rather than the rifle.
Donated by Brigadier A W Reading OBE MC TD.
Weapon No 421
Knife Bayonet and Scabbard
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This knife bayonet of German origin was made by the firm of Solingen in the period 1914-1919. It has been converted to a dagger and the original hilt has been altered.
Donated by Brigadier A W Reading OBE MC TD.
Weapon No 422
Bayonet - Seitengewehr 98/05d
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Details as for Weapon No 304.
Donated by Brigadier A W Reading OBE MC TD.
Weapon No 423
Sword Bayonet with Scabbard 30th Year Type
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This bayonet and scabbard was adopted by the Japanese in 1897, together with the Rifle 30th Year type. This bayonet heavily influenced the design of the British Pattern 1907. They were made of good materials and were excellently finished in deep lustrous blue. However, hard use in World War 2 results in poor conditions now. This bayonet was made in Tokyo Arsenal.
Donated by Brigadier A W Reading OBE MC TD.
Weapon No 424
Sword Bayonet with Scabbard 30th Year Type
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This model was produced by Moji Sub plant of Kokura Arsenal.
Donated by Brigadier A W Reading OBE MC TD.
Weapon No 444
Bayonet No 4 Mk I
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This bayonet was used with the No 4 Rifle and was brought into service
in 1931. It differs from the other
Weapon No 445
Bayonet Socket Rifle Moisin Pattern 91
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A Russian made bayonet used with the Moisin Rifle.
Weapon No 459
Bayonet Triangular (Martini-Henry)
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An example of the Martini-Henry combination in weapons and accessories, date and origin is not known.
Weapon No 464
Bayonet and Scabbard Hitler Youth
A bayonet and scabbard designed for use by the Hitler Youth.
Weapon No 467
Bayonet and Scabbard M3
The M3 Bayonet is a general purpose knife and was used by American forces at the time when the Ml Garand was in service. The knife was manufactured around 1942/43 by various companies, including the Imperial Cutlery Company. The crossguard, which was swept forward, was to permit better purchase for the thumb. M3 knives were sold through American retail stores both during and after the war. The hole drilled at the base of the scabbard is officially a drain hole, but is often used to take a leather thong that was then used to tie the tip of the scabbard to the wearer's thigh.