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Originally Posted by Trex
Haven't my reference books available right now, but that tiny arrow confirms the one as British (or at least Commonwealth). The broad arrow goes back hundreds of years, to the time when certain trees, because of their straightness and size, were reserved for Royal Navy masts before they were cut by marking them with it. The particular symbol was selected as distinctive, very British and conventient (just six axe strokes). Virtually all British military equipment is marked with the broad arrow.
So it is indeed an SMLE.
More to follow when my books surface. Hope this helps.
More thoughts: The British stopped making the SMLE in 1943 and switched over to the Enfield No. 4 (which used a completely different bayonet). It is possible that they kept manufacturing SMLE bayonets and such to support those rifles still in service.
However, both Australia and India made the SMLE throughout WW2 and for some time after, so the '43' or '45' could indicate a date. Further, the SMLE was issued to troops from across the empire and it would not be surprising to find that the local govt stamped its eqpt with a distinctive marking. The style of crown indicates that it was made pre-1952 or so. Final option - Khyber Pass copy. Unlikely, but still possible.
My gut feel? Indian manufacture, with the 'swastika' a manufacturer's mark from a small factory or even cottage industry. I stand to be corrected on that. It's a pity the markings are so blurred.
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Thanks for your effort.
I think it's pretty certain now we correctly indentified the British bayonet as a SMLE.
I don't think it would be a replica, these two bayonets have always been together (I'm pretty certain) since at least '45. I think I saw the "swastika" symbol on some other "real" bayonets as well.
I also got confirmation from Ralph who runs the site mentioned in my first post. I sent him an email with the same picture and he confirmed that my identifications were right. He als confirmed that the leather frog on the British bayonet actually belongs to the German one.
Quote:
Datum: 07/04/08 01:48 AM
> > > Van: "Ralph Cobb"
> > > Aan: "Dronston"
> > > CC:
> > > Onderwerp : Re: Can you help me identify?
> > >
> > >Dronston,
> > >
> > > You're right on all counts. The bayonets are as you have identified them. The frog is German, for the M1884/98 III. I usually store the frog separate from the bayonet. Very nice pieces!
> > >
> > >
> > Best Regards,
> > >
> > > Ralph E. Cobb
> > > www.worldbayonets.com
> > > 98k Bayonet Collectors' Network (BCN) Member NRA Endowment Life
> > > Member C & R FFL
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So I guess I have all my questions answered. Their actual story and how they came into the hands of Dutch resistance will always be unknown. Pity.
One extra thing: I actually got a third item with these bayonets, claimed to be also from the same period and circumstances -- brass knuckels, but made (pressed?) from aluminium (very light). I did no research whatsoever. Any comments on that one?
It's not a big item. I'm not a big guy (1.75 metres) and have a normal size hands but can only just get my fingers in and it feels that if I would hit someone with it I would break all my fingers because the back rest (?) doesn't give enough support.
Thanks again all.