Is this an Australian 1907 Bayonet?

[ceetee]

I wanted to get an Australian WW1 era bayonet to go with my WW1 era Australian SMLE. This was sold to me as just that. I'm wondering as I believe it is a Wilkinson sword, is this actually Australian issue? If it's not made in Australia is it fact Australian? Or would I be better off looking for an Australian made one to call it actually Australian (if it's not Australian made)? Any help identifying is appreciated as to be honest, being my first 1907 (or bayonet for that matter) I just got confused trying to match markings.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Bayonets came from all over to be issued and once they came back with the troops they were Australian. That one as you say is "Wilkinson Sword". You'd want one like this pictured... https://worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Id...stralia_2.html

Here, read this too... Lithgow 1907 Bayonet - Antique Outings

https://www.lawranceordnance.com/def...thgow-markings

[BradJ]

Hi there ceetee. It appears as you say, made by WILKINSON, which means it's English, not Australian production. Are there any markings on the pommel? That might help others give you a more definitive answer about who it may have been issued to. I believe the grip scales are Australian and have been replaced at some point in it's life. Some Australian bayonet grips were marked, Australia, just like yours. I'm no expert on the WW1 bayonets but I do know a lot of English made bayonets were issued to Australian troops in WW1. The scabbard you have is WW2 Australian issue. From the photos you've provided, the leather appears to be marked MANGROVITE 42. The 42 designates the year made and MANGROVITE was the supplier of the leather component of the scabbards in Australia during WW2. I'd be guessing the metal fittings on the scabbard are marked OA for Orange Arsenal which was a feeder factory to Lithgow and where production of the No1 MK3* rifle moved to towards the end of WW2. Scabbards were repaired as well, so you will find metal fitting marked MA or with the Lithgow Star fitted with MANGROVITE marked LEATHER. There will be others on here with a lot more knowledge of which English bayonets were issues to Australian troops in WW1. Lithgow produced WW1 era bayonets still come up for sale quite often but bring quite a hefty price in Australia. I have no idea of the prices or availability in your part of the world. You at least have the correct type of bayonet for your rifle. Considering it has an Australian scabbard and grip scales, it most likely was in Australian service at some point. It would be nice to be able to confirm that for you though. Considering bayonets from WW1 carried on and were used in WW2, it would be totally normal for grips and scabbards to be replaced. We'll see what others have to say.

[ceetee]

Thank you both for your information. I have enough of what I need to know about this thanks to you both. I will try and find an Australian made one now. I'm actually an expat Aussie, I decided to put my own little WW1 ANZAC type homage together for myself, so I would like it to be true blue. Now to find one (again)! Thanks!

[CINDERS]

WILKINSON made 3 18 and underneath faintly is PALL MALL then refurbed 1921
WW1 bayonets especially Lithgows are going up in value $450+ OA (Orange Arsenal) WWII 07's are around the $320-350+ other bayonets that are going up are the Vickers, Mole, J.A.C, Chapman and the Sanderson Nuebold ones.

[smith3006]

Photos of both sides of the pommel (handle ends) would be good. You may have an Australian contact bayonet but need the photos to be sure. There may be specific markings. CINDERS probably nailed that it is not an Australian WW1 used/contracted bayonet as it is a British refurbishing marking in 1921 ('21). How the bayonet ended up in Australian stores is unknown but definitely at some stage used by an Australian soldier.
Your bayonet was in a lot of around four thousand surplus bayonets sold by the Australian government to the USA under contract in the 1980s. It is the USA that required the country of origin to be shown on goods and that's why you see AUSTRALIA stamped into the grips and for no other reason. Sometimes I have seen ENGLAND stamped into the pommel of No7 bayonets and for the same reason.

[Flying10uk]

It is the USA that required the country of origin to be shown on goods and that's why you see Australia stamped into the grips and for no other reason.

I have seen "Australia" stamped on 1907 grips here in the UK which doesn't require the country of origin to be shown.

[smith3006]

I guess the bayonet found its way to the UK from the USA, eBay has a funny habit of doing that. There are now hundreds and hundreds here in Australia as well because we have been bringing them home ever since. A few of us collectors were involved in the export but not me as I was on the wrong side of the country unfortunately.

[ceetee]

Hey thanks for the extra information. I think I have enough info for what I need on the above one, namely it's not made in Australia, but if you would like me to post some extra photos for your own curiosity I'm happy to. I can see that the value of these has gone up, I just bid on one and lost out at AU$650! I'm just after one for myself, I have posted a WTB in the in the forum, so if anyone would like to sell me one, it would go to a good home. Thanks again.

[Flying10uk]

I just bid on one and lost out at AU$650!

That seems like a ridiculous price unless, of course, it was covered in gold leaf.