WW2 Australian Patt 1907 SMLE plated ‘parade’ bayonet in scabbard by Lithgow with South African issue marks.
£195
A WW2 dated Australian Pattern 1907 SMLE plated ‘parade’ bayonet in scabbard manufactured at the Australian Ordnance Lithgow Factory with South African issue marks. Hilt with bolt retained wooden scales is struck to the left side of the Pommel with South African U Broad Arrow issue mark next to the release catch. The pommel, tang and cross guard all plated for parade use with some loss of plate to the right side of the cross guard. Unplated fullered single edged sword blade struck to the right side with an Ordnance Broad Arrow over MA for manufacture at Lithgow next to an X bending test mark and several Lithgow inspection stamps. The left side stamped 1907 over 2 ’42, for manufacture in February 1942 just before bayonet production was transferred to the nearby Orange Arsenal freeing up space at Lithgow for firearms production required to meet the war time needs of the Australian army. In its steel mounted brown leather Australian manufactured scabbard stamped to the rear MANGROVITE 45. Manufactured to the standard British pattern for issue to the Australian army who used Lithgow manufactured SMLE rifles through both world wars the bayonets were made at Lithgow until early 1942 when the new, small, Orange Armoury was opened near to the main factory to manufacture bayonets and scabbards etc. required by the army. This being one of the very last made at Lithgow. The Australian Ordnance was also able to supply arms to the South African army units deployed in defence of the Empire during WW2 and this is one of those bayonets having Union of South Africa issue marks to the pommel. In later years it has had the guard and pommel plated for use as a parade or guard bayonet in military ceremonies and official parades. In good condition with nice clean blade and good grips with a few small losses to the right scale in a nice regulation issue Australian scabbard with intact stitching. A good and scarce WW2 Australian issue bayonet.
