The No3 Rifle (P-14) Bayonet

The P14 bayonet known as the Pattern 1913 (or P-13) is almost identical to the No1 Rifle Pattern 1907 bayonet, so identical in fact, that in order to distinguish them apart at a glance the Pattern 1913 bayonet had two grooves cut into the wooden handles. This simple modification was introduced to allow troops and quartermasters to quickly identify the two from one and other. The technical differences between them lie in the dimensions of the muzzle ring and mortise slot, which meant the two were not interchangeable. Production of P-13 bayonets was almost exclusively done by Remington and Winchester as part of the P-14 rifle contract. The only exceptions being an initial run of about 1500 bayonets produced by Vickers of England (the original contract holder for P-14 rifles) and 1000 hooked quillion bayonets produced by RSAF Enfield for the original P-13 trial rifles.

The water is further muddied when it comes to these bayonets, as the P-13 bayonet is identical to the U.S. 1917 bayonet (used on the U.S. Rifle Model of 1917), complete down to the deep groove cuts in the handle. The reason for this is simple, they are the same bayonet. The history behind this, ties in with the history behind the British P-14 rifle and the American Model of 1917 rifle. As the contracts for P-14 rifles (and bayonets) came to a close, these same manufacturers (Winchester, Remington and Remington Eddystone) were contracted to produce the U.S. M1917 rifle and bayonet. The only thing that changed was the markings found on them. A P-13 bayonet will be marked 1913 and a M1917 bayonet will be marked 1917, along with the various proof, acceptance and date of manufacture markings.

So for collecting, the most desirable will be a RSAF Enfield hooked quillion bayonet followed by Vickers and then Winchester and Remington. It should be noted that although Remington Eddystone was contracted to produce P-13 bayonets along with the rifles, it was found that Remington could produce a sufficient quantity to satisfy the contract for both plants. So there were no Eddystone bayonets made, all will be marked Remington.

A 1917 Bayonet, almost identical to a P-13 Bayonet

The deep grooves in the handle to distinguish the P-13 bayonet from the P-07 SMLE bayonet.

Pattern 1913 bayonet markings.

M1917 bayonet markings.