Technical data :

Total length : 425 mm
Blade length : 305 mm
Muzzlering : 16.3 mm

Was used on : SMLE Lee Enfield

General information :

When the British army introduced, in 1903, the SMLE (Short Magazine Lee Enfield), it came equipped with a short knife bayonet. The blade is that of the P1888 for the Lee-Metford but the handle, more particular the pommel, is of another design. The successor of the P1903, the P1907, would have this kind of pommel as well.

The P1903 was the standard British and Commonwealth bayonet until replaced, in 1907, by the P1907. The main reason was that relatively short overall length of the P1903 and the SMLE rifle. This was supposed to be a disadvantage during bayonet fights, especially against mounted enemy troops.

Ironically, no more glorious bayonet fights were fought on large scale since the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Reserves of the P1903 bayonets were re-issued to the troops due to the shortage of weapons.

Known makers :

Images.

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