online Militaria dealer - Antique-Militaria [UK]
magnify icon Search militaria Medals - Arms - Militaria
Home icon Antique Militaria Home for the SEs and the curious Site map People shaking hands icon Historic comments
Title US M17 bayonet for British Home Guard
Nationality American
Period 1917
Sold

This bayonet is a prime example of the Lend Lease deal between the UK and the USA in 1940 - part of the near obsolete weapons that America shipped to Britain in her darkest hour after Dunkirk. The leather frog is stamped 'BH & Co' and dated 1940; the blade is Winchester maker marked at the forte and clearly dated 1917.

There are US ordnance marks at the forte of the blade. This would originally have been issued to US troops for service with the 30.06 bolt action magazine rifle. It would also have fitted the P13 rifle, US made for the Britsh army in .303 calibre. The leather frog is of British make.

The whole weapon has been carefully cleaned by hand from a position of medium rust overall. The blade, however, is still in excellent shape.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Edged Weapons : Bayonets : American : 20th Century]

testimonials

Chris, got the buckle thanks and what a beauty, posted it on the forum already (war relics forum) I mod the buckle forum I have put a thanks to you on there with your site title so might drum up a bit of business for you :)

B E, UK, 13.12.2011

Found the item a little on the expensive side and a bit disappointed that you were unwilling to bend a bit on the price of the Officer's Tunic Eagle (half the fun of buying, after all, is the haggling), but impressed by the speed of delivery and the quality of the item. Was well worth it in the long run...

G F, UK, 30.08.2005

more...