Indian I.P. bayonet

[Carlsr]

A rather scarce bayonet I picked up to go with my I.P. rifle.I have not seen any of these bayonets at gun shows and once in a while they show up on e bay which is where I found this one. IMG_1246.jpgIMG_1247.jpgIMG_1251.jpgIMG_1252.jpg

[RCS]

Some Indian units favored the short blade on the Pattern 1903 bayonet and even took them to
France. Photo shows Indian troops in France in 1915

I picked up a Pattern 1903 for my I.P rifle that was converted in 1914DSCN2096.jpg

[Carlsr]

Mine has a conversion date of 1916. IMG_1193.jpg

[RCS]

Here are my two Mark 1** I.P. conversions, first is a BSA 1904 converted in 1914 and the other is a Enfield 1903
converted in 1917. Both rifles have Indian manufacture barrels (exc condition) numbered to the action body. most
parts are matching. What is interesting is that the windage knob works on the 1914 conversion and is matching to
the serial number. The windage knob on the 1917 conversion is locked

[Carlsr]

Nice! Mine does not have a manufacture date on the right side only I**I.P. From what I have found is that this is a type 3. Only 20,000 of these were made.Not sure of the unit disk markings.
IMG_1188.jpgIMG_1189.jpg

[JB White]

Nice find on the RFI MkI bayonet. So many were cut to 12" (MkI* or MkI**) they are now as scarce as Vickers and Remington 1907's.
Most of the India 1903 bayonets are either refurbished British blades, or converted Pattern 1888's. All are not exactly common anymore.

[Carlsr]

I bought it off E bay. Thought I over paid for it until I found out they are rather scarce. Now I don't feel so bad : )

[JB White]

I bought it off E bay. Thought I over paid for it until I found out they are rather scarce. Now I don't feel so bad : )

I don't know what you paid for it, but you got a good one. Well done.
Now, as RCS mentioned, a 1903 bayonet is also a good one for that rifle. Look for one with the India Government marking on it. I ^ G.
Doesn't matter if it's a former British 03 or a converted P88. Blued blades are also normal for India. Be aware it may come without a scabbard. The original repurposed P88 scabbard and original1903 scabbards are very rare. The IP scabbards more so.
Just be aware some scabbards are shortened 1907 scabbards with enlarged throats. Do not pay a huge premium for those. They are too easily faked, but at least the blade has a cover.

[Carlsr]

Thanks JB White

[Carlsr]

Think it was 250.00? Here are a few better pictures. You can see that the blade has not been resharpened and there is some what looks to be bluing left on the lower part of the blade. Initials J.B on the scabbard. IMG_1522.jpgIMG_1523.jpgIMG_1525.jpgIMG_1526.jpg