English M1903 bayonet by WILKINSON-LONDON, Indian converted. (ABCN5786-b)(K 181) (JN 57-1)
British SMLE .303 rifle. Superb bright finished double edged M 1888 blade with a central rib. The first cm is blackened. The blade is marked on de ricasso: Crown over 1903 over date: 6' 95, the British maker name and residence: WILKINSON-LONDON crisp on the ricasso. The reverse side is marked with a Sheffield inspection mark, a bending mark: X and IG over 7 (= Isaphor Arsenal inspection mark.) Excellent bright finished pommel with oil hole and crossquard with muzzle ring. MRD 16.5 mm. Excellent wooden grips secured by two screws bolts.
Excellent and correct black leather MkI scabbard with all stitches intact. Leather body is marked but hard to read. Bright finished fittings with no dents are Enfield marked: Crown over 40 over E. Throat is unit marked: 1 /-DT 113 and a canceled unit mark: 6/78
This is an early M 1903 bayonet. The first models were converted from M 1888 MkI, II and III model blades and a new pommels to fit the M.L.E. rifle. This particular one was made from an old, 6 '95 dated, Lee Metford blade. The bayonet was converted in India what was cheaper than doing this in England. Made for only 4 years. It was replaced by the longer M 1907
The M 1903 was used for a very long period and served in two wars.
Interesting bayonet!