Early SA Police Wilkinson Sword Pattern 1907 Sword Bayonet with Scabbard and Frog.

Early SA Police Wilkinson Sword Pattern 1907 Sword Bayonet with Scabbard.

In good overall condition.  Stamped to the blade ricasso "1907, S294, WS, 10" (the '10' is the manufacture month October - the year is obscured but is most likely WW2 era based on the marking types).  The opposite ricasso bears the military broad arrow and bend test stamp.  Stamped "RSA" and "SAP" to the wood grips.  The leather scabbard is stamped with what looks like 'FD' and 'JC' (most likely inspection or manufacturer/contractor stamps).  The webbing frog is in original, uncleaned condition with some usage wear.  This attachment holds the bayonet scabbard and allows it to be carried on a belt.

• S294 This is the manufacturer's code assigned to Wilkinson Sword Co. Ltd. during the Second World War. Britain adopted letter/number codes instead of full company names on many weapons and bayonets for security reasons. The code S294 identifies Wilkinson as the maker.
• WS This is the earlier Wilkinson Sword maker's abbreviation. If the blade carries both S294 and WS, it may indicate a wartime blade or a bayonet that was reworked, with markings from different stages of manufacture or refurbishment.
• RSA (grips) This stands for the Republic of South Africa. These stamps were commonly applied after South Africa became a republic in 1961, indicating government ownership or refurbishment.
• SAP (grips) This stands for the South African Police. Large numbers of Pattern 1907 bayonets remained in South African service after their military use and were transferred to the South African Police. SAP ownership stamps are well documented on surplus British-pattern bayonets.
• Officially adopted by the British Army in 1907 and introduced into service in 1908, the Pattern 1907 Sword Bayonet was designed for the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle. Featuring a robust single-edged blade with wooden grips and a steel-mounted leather scabbard, it became one of the most iconic bayonets of the British Empire.

• Manufactured by the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield and leading contractors including Wilkinson Sword, Sanderson, Mole, Vickers, and Chapman. The design saw extensive service throughout the First and Second World Wars with British and Commonwealth forces, remaining in frontline use until the end of the Second World War and continuing in military service with several Commonwealth nations for years afterwards. Today, the Pattern 1907 is one of the most sought-after British military bayonets, prized for its historical significance, association with the legendary Lee-Enfield rifle, and its distinguished service across two world wars. Examples bearing original maker's marks, military inspection stamps, or Commonwealth issue markings are especially desirable to collectors.

  Length (bayonet):  55.5cm

  Length (blade):  43cm

  Length (in scabbard):  57cm

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