British Army BOER WAR ENFIELD P-1888 LEE-METFORD BAYONET & SCABBARD '99 Vtg RARE

Description

The discovery of gold and diamonds in the South African hinterland brought Imperial Britain into direct conflict with the two Boer republics, the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. After early setbacks, the British regrouped and brought the Boer War to an end by "marching to Pretoria" in mid-1900. British troops in the Boer War were armed with the P-1888 Lee-Metford rifle and its accompanying bayonet. This British Army BOER WAR ENFIELD P-1888 LEE-METFORD BAYONET is in good condition, with some light rounding to the blade tip, some light sharpening to the blade edges, some cleaning, scratching, pitting, and patina at each side of the blade, guard, tang, and pommel, a deep chip in each upper handle scale, some scattered deep nicking and darkening to the rest of the handle scales, and with some overall age wear evident (ALL pictured). Otherwise, the bayonet is in fine shape, with no other damage. Most interestingly, it features a 12" double edge dagger type blade with a pronounced central spine, boasts tough brown hardwood handle scales secured by two thick brass rivets, and is marked at the ricasso with the classic "VR" (Victoria Regina) crown cipher, along with the date, "5 '99" (May 1899), and several additional British proof and date stamps. The bayonet is "broad arrow" marked at the reverse ricasso, along with its maker, "EFD" (the famous Enfield Royal Arms Factory), exhibits the number "224" stamped in inverted fashion at the right side of the pommel, and carries a fully functional "locking lug" attachment at that pommel. It's complete with the original British Army Boer War P-1888 Lee-Metford Metal Scabbard in good condition, with the metal swivel belt hanger having torn away from the back throat long ago, some loosening to the circular mount that remains at that back throat, a deep spot dent in the front throat, a small spot dent in the middle right back body, some scattered nicking, scratching, and spot patina throughout, and with some overall age wear evident (ALL pictured). Otherwise, the scabbard is in fine shape, with no other damage. Most interestingly, it bears the traditional "ball" end tip, and the set is a fine example of a rare, original
British Army BOER WAR ENFIELD P-1888 LEE-METFORD BAYONET. We have shown a photo of British troops in South Africa during the Boer War; they all carry Lee-Metford rifles with similar P-1888 bayonets mounted. With apologies to our valued international clients, we must restrict bidding to US bidders only.
Now celebrating over 20 years on eBay. Bid with confidence and please view our other great military, aviation, and sporting classics, including a "US & ALLIED MILITARY KNIVES VOL. 2" WW2 CASE EK WESTERN OSS KNIFE REFERENCE BOOK in near mint, unread condition, boasting an elegantly illustrated dust jacket over hardcovers, and sporting 676 pages.
*
Abramsantiques appreciates your positive feedback and full five star ratings. We strive to make every transaction an exceptional one, and your complete satisfaction is our utmost concern. If for any reason you cannot leave fully positive feedback, contact us first and we will make it right.