WW1 BRITISH NEW ZEALAND ANZAC 303 RIFLE BAYONET SCABBARD WILKINSON SWORD 1918

Offered is an original & rarely come across, NZ stamped,1918 dated, WW1 Wilkinson Great War 1907 pattern bayonet with scabbard.

Bayonet & scabbard features blued steel fittings, steel pommel, stamped 'NZ' with working release button, very good wooden grips and metal guard. The 44 cm long steel blade shows the ‘blood groove’ to the centre of each side of the blade, Kings Crown & Wilkinson (Wilkinson Sword Company), being dated '7 (July) 1918. The blade is blued with field sharpening and a chip to edge, with a good toned finish to surface. Standard leather WW1 scabbard, with correct tear drop metal mounts, showing good honest use to the leather body. Overall length: 58cm long.

A very good condition Great War issued bayonet & scabbard, which was issued for service in 1918 just short of the wars end and in time for some of the New Zealand Soldiers bravest and bitterest fighting.

Three VC winners 1918 Spring Offensive: Samuel Forsyth, Reginald Judson and John (Jack) Grant were all awarded the Victoria Cross for separate actions over nine days during the fighting around Biefvillers (Forsyth, 24 August), Bapaume (Judson, 25 August), and Bancourt (Grant, 1 September). All three were cited for their bravery in attacking German machine-gun posts, amongst other courageous acts.