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:move eek: guys I just bought 2 "British" 1917 bayonets with scabbards. I'd like your expertise on country of origin and what likely happened to them service-wise. I'm not sure the scabbards really match blades, but Scabbard #A was with Bayonet #2 and #B was with #1. Are the scabbards ww1 original? Why is scabbard A's locket metal painted red, and crossguard painted black?
and...
Which pair is "better" in terms of historic value?:bow:
thanks!
Also do you think Number 2 bayonet was worked on later, I see that the year mark was changed and the grip had a "N" mark on the wood, "T" on the tang and some damage to the buttons
I believe you're over thinking it.
Which one do you think is in better overall physical condition?
Don't go looking for stories you cannot verify.
They were tools in Service. And treated as such. Select a tool.
You got 2 WW1 original 1907 bayonets, a Sanderson and a Wilkinson, which are 2 of the more common manufacturers. They are not in pristine condition but they are over 100 years old and have probably seen service in more than 2 wars, been used for training, followed by an extended period of storage, before eventually making it onto the collector's market.
The red paint is possibly someone's misinformed/abortive attempt at "restoration", "stick a bit of red-lead on it to stop it rusting".
You could clean the red off but I wouldn't bother, personally.