Australian M 1907 bayonet. Early model by Lithgow .(ABCN1025-1)(K0)(JN4-1
British M 1907 SMLE MKIII rifle. Faint rifle number: A over 65585 on the right side of the pommel. Excellent + bright finished fullered blade with a Star over 1907 in a shield over the date: 9 '20 over LITHGOW, in three rows on the ricasso. Reverse side shows Australian inspection markings: A in a star - bend mark and another A in a star. /I\ star over III. Excellent blued pommel with a rifle number and a crossguard. MRD 16,5 mm. No oil hole in pommel. Crossguard is marked D/I\D over 5 (= Military District 5, Western Command-West Australia), Excellent- wooden grips secured by screw bolts. There is a small chip missing on the right grip only.
Excellent and correct for this model black leather scabbard with all stitching intact. Excellent blued/blackened fittings. Top mount with olive frog stud. No pitting and no dents.
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
Nice early example!