Original WWI ANZAC Australian Lithgow P1907 SMLE Bayonet No.1 Mk.I with Hooked Quillion Dated 1913 with Scabbard and Frog - Featured in Book “To The Hilt The Austrian Bayonet”

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. Purchased directly from David F. Machnicki, the author of To The Hilt The Austrian Bayonet, where this very bayonet is featured on page 74! Please note that the attached page image from the book is copyrighted material and the use of the page is done by permission of the author. A printed copy of the page will accompany the purchase of this bayonet.

This is an extraordinarily scarce bayonet, perhaps the rarest WWI bayonet we have ever offered! As mentioned, it is featured on Page 74 of To The Hilt The Austrian Bayonet, the entry reading:

“Appearing in the image above is the fighting knife being compared to a full-length sword bayonet with hooked quillon, which was manufactured at the Small Arms Factory Australia at Lithgow, N.S.W. This bayonet has a total length of 557mm, a blade length of 432mm and a 16.5mm diameter locking ring. Current references indicated that the Australian P.1907 bayonets with a quillon were manufactured from May 1913-1915, and after which, the hooked quillon was deleted from manufacture. Its blade has 30mm long fullers, was lightly sharpened along one edge and lacks a false edge. The reverse ricasso is marked “LITHGOW”, dated 1913, and stamped with the early Lithgow Mark and Pattern acknowledgement (shield w/1907 + star). The obverse ricasso is stamped with an alternative Lithgow Proof (L in a shield), two early forms of a Lithgow Proof (“A” within a 7-pointed star) and an “X” (transfer or proof mark). The marking “V16270” is found stamped on the obverse crossguard. “AUSTRALIA” is stamped twice into the wood grip. The bayonet’s leather scabbard has the early teardrop shaped frog stud. The blued locket and chape have figured ends (edge adjoining the leather scabbard are rounded) and its spring rivets ground flush. Both the locket and chape bear the Lithgow Proof. Its brown leather frog has four reinforcement rivets and a plain brass buckle. The leather on its front section is marked S with a Broad Arrow and “AUSTRALIA”.

The blade of the bayonet shows great retention of the finish, and the bayonet lock still works great. Upon closer inspection of the scabbard, we found that on the back it is stamped with a Crown over 12 over a broad arrow, likely denoting 1912 manufacture. The front of the leather frog is also stamped 6 / F.C.E. under the Australia marking, possibly inspector or owner initials!

This is a truly astounding example of what is one of the rarest bayonets of the First World War. Ready for further research and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 17"
Blade Style: Single Edge with Fuller
Overall length: 21.9291"
Crossguard: 2 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 17 1/2"