What bayonet would be correct with my 1918 Lithgow SMLE

[bigduke6]

While we are on the subject, I bought this from a fellow forum member, a Lithgow 1918, with 1942 scabbard, question is why the the two numbers, the one on the pommel I would say is the oldest due to the style of the numbers.

[shippingsteel]

The number on the pommel is the rifle serial number the bayonet was originally matched too, while the number stamped on the guard is the Military District 'ownership' mark, indicating issue in the Australian state of Victoria.

[Bindi2]

Because we can and you deserve it. MUFF

Shippingsteel is on the money

[bigduke6]

Shippingsteel and Bindi, understand the District marking, but the question was why the two serial numbers, wouldn't one of these be barred out ?

[Bindi2]

The serial number was never touched. The inventory numbers did get barred out or changed on the rifles at times ( trade,repair,disbandment of MDs etc ) Two number systems for two reasons, one for Lithgow one for the MD.
WE have not mentioned the state police yet which is another lot of stamps, WOW this thread could just explode. If anybody has a Lithgow Hooky have a look at the stamps a good chance it may be ex police.

[smith3006]

Everyone is on the money. In conjunction with what Bindi2 is referring too, the easily recognised police marked hooks are the Queensland Police marked ones. These are of British manufacture and are usually just marked on the pommel Q^P over a three digit number. Skennterton and Richardson's book, British & Commonwealth Bayonets details the British manufacturer "Mole" as the supplier, however, in recent years other suppliers have been noted but that will need to be the subject of another thread.

Getting back to the question by Bigduke6 as to why serial numbers and markings were never removed or cancelled out. Bindi is right but for some unknown reason during refurbishment of bayonets old markings were again never removed. If you look closely at Bigduke6's photos his 1918 Lithgow in a 1942 scabbard is indeed correct as it appears to me to have been factory refurbished at some time and guessing before 1945 and probably at Orange. The finish is dark and reminicent of the early years of WW2 refubishing and not like that deep rich blue of the 1918 period at Lithgow. Also you need to study the proof marks on the ricasso "A inside Star" then on the other side; the shield, Lithgow and the date all show signs that they have been sanded back as they are not that sharp as they once would have been when first issued. Cleaned back but not removed.

Bigduke6 you have an excellent bayonet in fantastic condition and one that would suit Chris's rifle perfectly. I would be surprised if he doesn't make contact.

[bigduke6]

Bigduke6 you have an excellent bayonet in fantastic condition and one that would suit Chris's rifle perfectly. I would be surprised if he doesn't make contact.

smith3006, Am sure it would suit Chris,s rife, but these lot below tend be a tight nit group and stick together plus goes well with my 1926 Lithgow SMLE.

(as I was putting this together I was forgetting Australia is the first to bring in the New Year, so all the best everyone )

[smith3006]

Thankyou Bigduke6, a very nice tight group and they should stay together.

Thanks for your best wishes and at this very time we still have just under 2 and half hours to the New Year whilst the east coast is 3 hours ahead (only in time - nothing else! ) and are already enjoying the New Year.

As a relative newbie I must say I am loving Milsurps and in particular the Edge Weapons Forum, so from downunder the very best wishes to all members for a very prosperous collecting 2013 year.

[Peter Laidler]

But back to the original question, even with all the variables that have been tossed around, it still hasn't been answered has it? We SHOULD have thrown another question back at the originator by asking '.....what era do you want the rifle to represent.........?' For example, if he has a a diorama of anything post 1930's, such as with a collection of Korea memorabilia or a slit trench in North Africa or Korea or the Kings Colour Guard for the 1937 Royal State Visit or even the Australian Army contingent at the 1952 Coronation or....... then any bayonet will be correct with his rifle surely. But even that isn't the final answer because while the rifle is a known age/date there are so many OTHER variables of bayonet, even BEFORE the 1930's we'd need to know in what context he's asking about

Or am I missing something?

It's a bit like asking 'what bayonet should I have on my Lithgow L1A1'? If it was Malaya or Borneo or South Vietnam, all within my era/realm it could be a Lithgow, BSA or an Enfield one just so long as it was dated pre 1972....... No?

[gew8805]

Exactly Peter.