- I have in my collection 3 bayonets manufactured during WW2 in India: two of them are the model "MkII" and one is the model "MkIII". All 3 bayonets have these dimensions: => Overall length = 425mm; => Blade length = 304mm; => Blade width [at crossguard] = 23mm. These bayonets are for the .303 SMLE No1MkIII Lee-Enfield bolt action rifle [ see it here at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee-Enfield ] which fires the .303 rimmed cartridge [7.7X56R]. I have 2 of these rifles, one made in 1918 in England and the other made in 1942 in Australia, both weapons fire very well. Three of my pictures will be posted here. ---> Photo 1: TOP => The bayonet from left and the one from the middle are both the model "MkII" made in 1943. The bayonet from right is the model "MkIII" and it was made in 1944. Note that the blades have no fullers. BOTTOM => You can see the handles of these bayonets in the same order ["MkII" at left and in the middle, "MkIII" at right]. Both "MkII" bayonets have the crossguard marked "DP" [Drill Purpose] and a circular white band 14mm wide is visible on the wooden grips. The bayonet from right is different, the pommel has a squared shape and the wooden grips have parallel sides. This bayonet is the model "MkIII" but it is wrongly marked also "MkII". All the 3 bayonets have the wooden grips secured in place to the blade tang with 2 screws and 2 nuts. ---> Photo 2: This photo shows from a close distance the markings stamped on the left ricasso blade of the "MkIII" bayonet [the one from right]. The meaning of these markings is: "G.R.I" ["Georgius Rex Imperator" for King George VI of England, 1937-1952]; "MkII" [bayonet model wrongly marked, it should be stamped "MkIII"]; "12 44" [date of bayonet manufacture, December 1944]; "R.F.I" [the maker's mark, "Rifle Factory Ishapore" / India]. Note the yellow color at the bottom where the crosspiece was brazed to the bayonet blade. ---> NOTE: A) I don't have the original leather scabbards for these bayonets. B) All these 3 bayonets have the blade tip very sharp, too sharp considering that 2 bayonets ["MkII" with the circular white band around the wooden grips] were for Drill Purpose [and clearly stamped "DP" on the crossguard]. Orita 09/17/08