Indian RFI 12" bayonet

[Peter Laidler]

Has anyone out there in bayonet land got a photo of Indian troops with the 12" long L1A1/SLR bayonet. I've just acquired an RFI - 65 example. I've done a quick metallurgy steel sample on the blade and it's certainly good quality and comparable in content to ours and their standard baynets of the era.

Any takers................

Information

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[tankhunter]

Peter, I have one myself in my own collection (Bayonet) Nearly all I have encountered over here are missing thier scabbards! I managed to obtain one. Is your missing also?
I have information if you need one, as to who has some for sale. (Overseas)

[bigduke6]

Think its time for a new tape measure Peter, RFI SLR is 10" the RFI SMLE is 12", I couldnt find any pics when I was looking, sods law when your looking for something never any to be seen, and when your not looking they are everywhere.

Tankhunter, would be interested in the info you have regarding a scabbard.

[Peter Laidler]

Mine's got a scabbard thanks Big Duke. You're right, it IS 10" long and not 12" but when you're a bloke like me, it's easy to get 10" and 12" confused. But as I think to my self occasionally, when you've got one that's 10" long, what do you need a 12 inch one for! Ho ho....., the old ones are always the best..............

[tankhunter]

Mine's got a scabbard thanks Big Duke. You're right, it IS 10" long and not 12" but when you're a bloke like me, it's easy to get 10" and 12" confused. But as I think to my self occasionally, when you've got one that's 10" long, what do you need a 12 inch one for! Ho ho....., the old ones are always the best..............

Yes Peter, But has it been 'Deactivated' D.P.d!!!!...........LOL!

---------- Post added at 05:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:09 AM ----------

Think its time for a new tape measure Peter, RFI SLR is 10" the RFI SMLE is 12", I couldnt find any pics when I was looking, sods law when your looking for something never any to be seen, and when your not looking they are everywhere.

Tankhunter, would be interested in the info you have regarding a scabbard.

Periginvs has covered the source I got mine from. I.M.A shipping is expensive, BUT, if you combine it all with other items. Then it works out better. A Bayonet without a scabbard can be picked up CONSIDERABLY cheaper. Than one with a scabbard! You dont encounter scabbards for sale on thier own, anywhere near as often as Bayonets on thier own! (Good point to be made when purchsing at the time to get the price down!)

[peregrinvs]

International Military Antiques have scabbards:

Military Antiques, Military Collectibles and Militaria Indian Army Bowie Bayonet Scabbard- 1960?s FAL Rifle IMA-USA.COM

However, they quoted me a shipping price to the UK that was more than the price of the scabbard. Fortunately I have since been able to source one from within the UK.

In the Skennerton book there is also a standard 8" blade version of the Indian SLR bayonet, but I have never seen one for sale. Were they a trials pattern or something?

Mark

[old-smithy]

Thanks for the link, another naked blade can now be decent lol

[Peter Laidler]

BUT, has anyone got a pictre of an Indian Army soldier with a long bayonet?

[Badger]

BUT, has anyone got a pictre of an Indian Army soldier with a long bayonet?

I had a few moments this morning Peter, so I tried to do some quick Internet searches for you to see if I could find anything. The only thing that initially turned up was a general pic of Indian troops with their Enfields, but I can't see any bayonets in the photo. I'll do a more extensive search for you later when I get finished with entertaining the grand kids.

Regards,
Doug

[Peter Laidler]

I was thinking SLR rifles with the long 10" bayonets Doug.

They are quite interesting because while they are for the Indian made UK spec L1A1 rifle with our flash eliminator configuration, they are made to the No5 spec with regards to the grip screw hole centres. That is approx .85" between centres for the No5 and Indian 10" L1A1 bayonet and 1.25" approx for the L1A1 rivet hole centres