#70C • Australian Pattern 1907 WW1 Bayonet-Lithgow

Part of Purple Gallery Online Estate & Antiques Auction (timed auction by K and B Auction)

High bid $43.00

Status: Sold

Sword bayonet for use with the .303 caliber Short, Magazine Lee-Enfield No. I Mk. III (SMLE) rifle. The No. I Mk. III rifle was the Australian mainstay during both World Wars and afterward. This example was produced in Oct. 1923 at the Australian Small Arms Factory, Lithgow. Bayonet production at Lithgow began in 1913. The hooked lower quillon was deleted in 1915. Production ceased in 1927 and was resumed in late 1940. Bayonet production was moved from Lithgow to Small Arms Factory No. 3 at Orange in July 1942, where most of Australia’s Second World War bayonets were produced. Quillon appears modified from the earlier "hooked quillon" and bears the number "5". Blade edge has some chips and appears to be never service sharpened. Wood handle has slight belly and is solid but shows age and use. 21.75" overall with a 167/8" blade. BP