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  1. #1
    Legacy Member Giove's Avatar
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    Pattern 1888 Volunteer

    I have this bayonet. It's a Pattern 1888 Volunteer Small ring:

    1907 pattern Bayonets

    The upper edge is blunt, the lower one is sharp. The bayonet has no maker mark, but has a number of marks, included the cypher with the VR.
    The bayonet guard is made of brass (browned).

    Do you have any further information on this bayonet?

    On which rifle was used?

    Thanks. Giancarlo
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Contributing Member Aragorn243's Avatar
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    Good question. It isn't in Kiesling's book that I can find. There is a volunteer? bayonet listed but it isn't of this type and the muzzle ring is actually larger. Only thing I can suggest is possibly the cadet rifles but they don't typically have bayonet lugs.

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    Contributing Member Flying10uk's Avatar
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    My understanding of what Ian Skennertonicon is saying on page 173 of his book, Britishicon and Commonwealth Bayonets, is that this bayonet could/may have been made up by the trade, for sale to Ireland, to go on Martini-Enfield carbines. The book goes on to state that the smaller muzzle ring diameter is about 16mm.

  6. #4
    Legacy Member Giove's Avatar
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    Can be. The inner diameter of the muzzle ring is 14 mm.

    But the "double R" mark (dowgraded, drill purpose) makes me think it was used on a cadet rifle. I'm wrong?

    Even the MLM Mark II has a smaller diameter barrel, but I don't know the size.

  7. #5
    Contributing Member Aragorn243's Avatar
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    The thing with the cadet rifles is that they weren't designed for bayonets. They don't have lugs. Bayonets are very rare and if I'm not mistaken, they use the socket type that goes over the sight which eliminates the need for a lug. You may have a one of a kind bayonet for a rifle that was owned by the individual.

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  9. #6
    Contributing Member Flying10uk's Avatar
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    Are there any other examples of bayonets with brass cross pieces? I can't say that I can think of any off the top of my head but surely there must be some?

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying10uk View Post
    Are there any other examples of bayonets with brass cross pieces?
    I thought maybe I was out of whack here...never have I even seen ONE. This one's a novelty.
    Regards, Jim

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  12. #8
    Contributing Member Aragorn243's Avatar
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    I thought the brass was unusual but not unprecedented. There are several mid 1800's bayonets with brass cross guards. US Dahlgren, 1861 navy, Ames navy and Britishicon 1855

  13. #9
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Aragorn243 View Post
    There are several mid 1800's bayonets with brass cross guards.
    Yes, I was referring to these.
    Regards, Jim

  14. #10
    Legacy Member Giove's Avatar
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    Partial correction to my previous post (#4).

    The MLM Mark II has the barrel lightest compared to previous models, but has the "later style lighter profile just forward of the flat", so the diameter of the muzzle is the same.

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