After much searching, I managed to find bayonet for my Remington P14. Previous ones I had found had outrageous prices or looked a little dubious, but mostly they were simply non-existent. So, for a good price, and a relatively local find, I'm pretty happy with what I have.
I checked the markings in my reference books, and everything looks in order, however, I'm not 100% sure about the finish. Compared to my SMLE 1907 pattern bayonet, it seems to have had the metal components of the scabbard painted, as well as part of the hilt.
It looks similar to the black paint used on NO.4 Savage Lee- Enfields', but poorer quality, and nowhere near as neat as on the NO 5 carbine. Sorry no pics, as I can't get them to load, but was wondering if anyone knows how they were originally finished.
Although the paint is scratched and patchy, I don't want to remove it if it is original. My P14 is totally original and un-restored, and looks fine as is, so I would like to keep the bayonet in character. Any advice is greatly appreciated
Wouldn't the originals be blued? Suncorite came later? Sure it would have been through refurb in later years and a second war to boot but bluing at the start...
India`s DP-rifles often were black painted, so the also painted the bayonets. A German dealer bougth over 2.000 of thes rifles and bayonets in the 80s from India - most of the rifles and some the bayonets were painted.
I picked up a couple of P-14 bayonets , several years ago. One has a very dark, blue like finish over the entire blade. Definately not painted. I always assumed it was a post WW1 refurbishment.
Those I've had opportunity to buy back in the '80s...just about new condition.
And now you just cringe with the thoughts of opportunity and cost foregone! Recent Oz auctions have netted pretty impressive prices for those in the know.
Trying to save Service history, one rifle at a time...