Hollywood Scandal

A recent posting, on the Krag Collector's Association site showing a Krag modified for the movies, prompted me to look at some Movie Promotional Photographs and 'Stills'.

Looking at Charlie Chaplin promtional photos from the comedy, "Shoulder Arms", (made in 1918), revealed at least one 'stock', Lee-Metford/Enfield, Pattern 1888 bayonet and some altered ones.

Chaplin appears to have a U.S. model 1896 rifle, (possibly an 'updated' model 1892), with a drastically altered pattern 1888 bayonet 'fixed' to it. I imagine the use of the Krag during WW1, for 'Training' purposes and limited issue to U.S. Engineers and Navy, may have caused a shortage of Krag bayonets for movie props?

The altered pattern 1888 bayonet appears have had the 'grip scales' cut just in front of the forward rivet. The cross-guard may have been removed, turned 180 degrees, and then reattached in a more reward position. The 'upside-down' hilt was extensively ground to allow the 'lug groove' to kind of line-up with the Krag's lug. The bayonet's release button is now reversed and on the right-side.

(For 'inquiring minds', a Pattern 1888 bayonet will fit into a U.S. Krag bayonet scabbard).

Attachment 88326Attachment 88327Attachment 88328Attachment 88329Attachment 88330Attachment 88331

A bit of decent milling will do it so it seems...

Jim: I'd be inclined to call that - "indecent milling".