India Pattern Bayonet and Long Scabbard No1 MKII*. BAYO 779. Bayonets

World War Two saw India’s largest period of bayonet production, and from 1939 until 1942 the bulk of India’s rifle and bayonet production went to Indian troops overseas and into British stores. The No1 MkII*was made with the false edge. These bayonets are special to India and bear the makers name and factory ‘R.F.I’ (Rifle Factory Ichhapore, The Rifle Factory Ichhapore also known as ‘Ichhapore Arsenal’ is an Indian state-owned arms manufacturing unit located at Ichhapur in the state of West Bengal) to the ricasso along with the date of manufacture ‘3’48’ (March 1948). The 302mm blade (422mm overall) doesn’t appear to have been re sharpened and the wooden grips are in excellent condition. The scabbard bears the ‘O.A’ (Orange Arsenal) marks and the furniture and leather are in very good condition with all the stitching in place. See Skennerton item 154, pages 347-351. The price includes UK delivery. BAYO 779.