Canadian M 1910 MkII bayonet. Unit marked to the 61e Battalion and used by the Royal Navy..(ABCN375-1)(K110)(JN25-2)
Ross MK III rifle. cal.303. Excellent plain not modified but tip profile changed bright finished Mark I blade, First 4 mm of the blade are blackened. Excellent blued pommel and crossguard with muzzle ring MRD 16,7 mm. No pin in pommel. Pommel is crisp marked with the year of production: 11 and an issue date: 3/16. It is also marked with a Canadian ownership marking: Broad arrow in a C and a Canadian inspection marking: Crown over 4. T-slot in pommel. Canadian marking and inspection mark crown over 4. Reverse side is marked; ROSS RIFLE Co. QUEBEC PATENTED 1907 in three lines. Blade tang is marked three times: crown over 4. Brazed crossguard with small quillon. Excellent black walnut grips. Left grip, is unit marked: 61 BATTL. over 722 (= 61 Battalion (Winnipeg) , rifle 722).
Excellent brown leather Mk II scabbard with large loop. There is an eyelet in the loop of frog for securing the scabbard to the brass hook of the Canadian tunic.
The blade of the Ross bayonet was modified in Canada by re-pointing in October 1915. The Ross rifle and bayonet was official removed from the front line by the end of 1916 and replaced by the British S.M.L.E rifle and Pattern. 1907 bayonet.
The profile of the tip of this bayonet was officially changed (sharpening only) in 1916 by the Royal Navy. So this bayonet was used by the Royal Navy and escaped the altering by re-pointing. (Thanks to Gordon Spragge, Erin-Canada)
Background Information of the 61e battalion.
Organized in May 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel F. J. Murray. Authorization published in General Order 103a of 15 August 1915. Mobilized at Winnipeg. Recruited in Winnipeg. Draft of 5 officers and 250 other ranks sent to England on 11 September 1915. Embarked from Halifax 5 April 1916 aboard OLYMPIC. Disembarked England 11 April 1916. Strength: 37 officers, 1096 other ranks. Absorbed by 11th Canadian Reserve Battalion 7 July 1916. Disbanded 4 August 1917 by Privy Council Order 1895 of 17 July 1917. Band. Perpetuated by The Winnipeg Light Infantry.
