Australian M 1907 bayonet, second model by MA.(ABCN1031-2)((319)(JN4-2)

British M 1907 SMLE MKIII rifle. 2e model. Minty shot blasted finished fullered blade with Australian maker's name: MA over 1907 (= Munitions Australia- Orange Arsenal) and date:  5 ’44 on ricasso. Reverse side is marked /I\, X, OA.  No false edge. Parkerized pommel and crossguard with muzzle ring MRD 16,5 mm. Large oil hole in pommel. Excellent wooden grips both marked SLAZ.44. 
Minty WWII Australian made dark brown leather No.I MkII scabbard. Leather body with all stitches intact is marked: MANGROVITE/'44 and /I\ over B and another /I\ over B. No dents to the parkerized fittings. Top mount with three rivets and Large round frog stud. Both fittings with OA (=Orange Arsenal) markings. 

Australia started production of M 1907 bayonets in June 1913 at the Lithgow Arsenal (NSW). Bayonets with the hooked quillon were produced only between 1913 and 1915. Production without a quillion was from 1915 till 1927 at Lithgow.  Production at Lithgow stopped in 1927 and was continued late 1940. In July 1942 the production moved from Lithgow to the Orange Arsenal (OA). The production stopt in 1945 

A Minty all 1944 marked example!


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