Stamp marks on my new P'07

[Peter Laidler]

I wonder what'll happen in 50 years time when L1A1 bayonets become highly collectable and all the rest of it. I wonder if the collectors will be turning their noses up at at the zillions that went through the big workshop programmes and into deep preservation after they were withdrawn. Hardly original then........

[Buntline]

Well this is a fine mess but am I down hearted? Nope! This bayonet fits it role for me perfectly. I have to agree with everything presented, I now think it highly likely the blade has been re-blacked if not refinished & re-blacked but I think it's been done well. It's clearly a large stud locket on the scabbard & therefore WWII. Having just fitted the new grips it's clear why the old ones don't fit quite right - the holes in the tang for the screws are about 1/16 th Inch too close to the cross guard. Incidentally there are stamps on one of the old grips with the WWI style squat curly 'arrow' so I think these may be its original ones (see pic). But given all the work that must have been put in putting this ensemble together I still think I got bargain. And being a very new looking bitsa it fulfils my brief to match my very new looking bitsa SMLE & on budget. Thanks to everyone for your contributions.
Jim.

[gew8805]

The pics are there Bud...

Yep, looking again, they surely are.

To me, they look good, I would leave them.

[CINDERS]

Your correct Buntline if your happy then that's all that matters, but the gist of the forum is to offer advice and knowledge.
The one thing we as collectors cannot get is pure trained up skills from the military as they learn through experience and what is not written for the general populace.

I have respect for their views and take on board what they say, but in the long run and value for your $ and where it fits in your collection if it makes you happy then 'nuff said.

[Buntline]

I hope I haven't come across as not listening. Knowledge & advise was the reason I joined here & I'm grateful for all that has been said regarding my new acquisition. Given that this bayonet has a WW2 scabbard and most likely a refinish, I'm just not that sure about why changing the grips seems such an issue. This is after all another step in it's history, & I'm not trashing the previous set.
Jim.

[browningautorifle]

As for the grips the new ones will go on to see what they're like & stay on if they look right,

You're the one that asked...I'd never consider changing anything. Around here that sort of thing is unavailable so we leave it. Maybe an acetone soak, and dry to remove oil.