Question for military collectors.

MelissaW · #1 05/15/06, 12:22 PM

We've had an old bayonet here for a zillion years. I don't even know where it came from anymore. I'm curious about the mark on it, and wondered if anyone who collected that sort of thing might know what it means. At the base of the blade, right where it meets the handle (or whatever you call it, I'm clueless here), there is a crown. Under the crown it says: G.R.I.( or the I might be a number 1). Under that it says MKII. Under that in big letters it says R.F.I. (or 1 again) with a small number 3 in above the R, and the number 43 above the I. Like this:

"crown"
G.R.I
M.K.II
3 43
R.F.I

I don't see any other markings on it, but it is pretty beat up, so it's hard to say if that is all there is. Any idea where it is from, and how old? I'm wondering if the 3/43 is a date. Thanks!

Dubai Vol · #2 05/15/06, 12:57 PM

Let me set your mind at ease: it's not worth anything. If you post a pic, along with an overall length measurement, that would be a lot more useful in determining its origin.

Obser · #3 05/15/06, 02:08 PM

Melissa, why did you "reform"? The original or a relapse could be interesting.

Oldotaku · #4 05/15/06, 02:27 PM

Without a picture, it's really hard to make a determination. Yes, I would say the "3 43" is a date of manufacture, and the crown probably makes it British, reinforced by being marked "M.K. II". I'd be more confident if it was marked with the "broad arrow" which looks like /|\ . I'm making a lot of assumptions here, but I'm betting its an Enfield rifle bayonet. You might try taking it to a gun shop and seeing if the proprietor would let you try to fit it to something like a Enfield Model 1 Mk 3.

Paquebot · #5 05/15/06, 08:17 PM

That MKII bayonet is indeed British and would fit an Enfield rifle. The 3 would be Model 3, not the month that it was made. Lots of them on various military auction sites. Photos of a Model 1 on this site: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=47756805

Martin

**Ross** · #6 05/15/06, 08:40 PM

I have a bayonet for a #1 mk 3 Lee Enfield, and it has none of those markings. Now mine is pre WW1 vintage. You'd call mine a sword bayonet anyhow, being over a foot long. I wonder if they made new versions for WW2 service. Doubt its one for a #4 mk1* vast majority of those were those hopeless spike bayonets anyhow. Best guess I'd venture is its probably made for a P03 Enfield made in the USA for Lend Lease. I'll do some looking for you. No real value, but $20-$30 if it's nice clean rust free etc., half that if its cruddy. Did you want to sell it?

MelissaW · #7 05/16/06, 07:30 AM

Thanks everyone! I'm not really interested in the value. After all, I'm pretty sure it came in a box of junk from a yard sale or out of an attic! It's just a thing that has been sitting on top of a book case for years, and when we moved the case recently, it ended up on my desk. I saw the marks then, and became curious about it.

Martin, it looks EXACTLY like the one in the picture, except with a 3 where the 1 is. Pretty neat! I knew someone here would know how to find out. Thanks!

Obser, I'm not REALLY reformed! I just try to behave myself for the sake of peace and harmony in our cyber-neighborhood. I can't imagine what would happen if I actually typed some of the things I think!

MelissaW · #8 05/16/06, 07:35 AM

Sorry Ross, I just looked back and saw your question. I didn't have selling it in mind, but if someone really wants it, I suppose I could ask my husband if he wants to get rid of it. Like I said, it's just a thing that has been sitting around, and we don't have a collection or anything. Do they let you mail pointy things anymore? Gosh, everytime I mail a present the postmaster asks me if it contains anything dangerous and everytime I answer, "Only if you consider a sweater...book...board game...fill in the blank, dangerous."

m39fan · #9 05/17/06, 06:56 AM

The others are correct, it is a bayonet for a SMLE (No.1 Mk III). It was made in India in 1943 at the Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI). The crown (as well as the date) shows that it was produced prior to India's independence. Items produced afterwards will either have a date by itself or three lions on it.

Resellers have these for around 15-30 dollars depending on condition.

Take Care,
Mike

MelissaW · #10 05/17/06, 09:39 AM

Wow Mike, thanks! I'm so impressed that so many of you know so much just by a few letters and numbers. Great info! I told my husband about it, and he said it actually came out a box in his grandmother's attic (I didn't really know, it's been here for so long), so that made the info even more interesting!