British Pattern 1907 Bayonet Value Guide

The British Pattern 1907 Bayonet is a legendary 17-inch sword bayonet designed to provide infantrymen with superior reach when fixed to the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle. Inspired by the Japanese Arisaka Type 30, it served as the definitive sidearm for British and Commonwealth forces across the battlefields of both World Wars.

What affects the value of British Pattern 1907 Bayonet?

• Presence of the original leather scabbard with steel throat and chape significantly increases market price.
• The condition of the walnut grips and the amount of original bluing or parkerization remaining on the steel.
• Rarity of the manufacturer, such as Vickers or early Wilkinson examples with hooked quillons.
• Matching unit markings or clear 'reissue' stamps that provide a traceable service history through 1945.

How to Identify British Pattern 1907 Bayonet?

• Check the ricasso for the '1907' pattern date and the royal cypher of the reigning monarch (ER or GR).
• Verify the presence of a 17-inch steel blade with a single fuller and a hooked or straight crossguard.
• Look for walnut wood grip scales secured by two screws and a pommel featuring an oil hole.
• Inspect for British inspection stamps (broad arrow) and manufacture dates stamped near the hilt.

History of British Pattern 1907 Bayonet

Adopted in 1907 to replace the shorter Pattern 1903, this bayonet's design was inspired by the Japanese Arisaka Type 30. It served as the primary melee weapon for British and Commonwealth forces throughout both World Wars. The 17-inch blade was intended to give infantrymen better reach in trench warfare, especially when mounted on the relatively short Lee-Enfield rifle.