British 1887 Bayonet

**Alex W** · 03-19-2022, 03:47 AM

Hello everyone,

I picked up this British Nepalese 1887 Bayonet issued to I think the Ramdal Battalion but I can't find any information relating to them online.

I'm trying to figure out exactly what model this is but I'm not sure. Based on the release catch I think it started off as a 2nd model 1886 trials bayonet made at Enfield and was converted to a 1887 at Birmingham but I'm not sure if its a Mk. I or Mk. IV.

Any comments welcome.

Thanks
Alex

**Anderson** · 03-19-2022, 05:13 AM

My reading of the marks is ; War Department acceptance, Enfield RSAF inspector mark, bend test. On other side; Royal cypher Queen Victoria (faint crown & VR) and manufacture date of 1887. A refurbishment occurred in 1898 at Birmingham RSAF, inspector mark on blade and hilt.

**Alex W** · 03-19-2022, 09:07 AM

From what I can gather from Skennerton's British & Commonwealth Bayonets, there were new made 1887 Mk. I bayonets at Enfield (517541) and conversions at Birmingham of 2nd model 1886 Trials Bayonet to 1887 Mk. I (21113) also originally made at Enfield. Apparently the converted ones have a release catch like mine but should also have a EM on the tang and a C with date mark on the blade for conversion which mine does not. Considering the bayonet appears to have been reworked at Birmingham its possible the C and EM marks were removed during the reworking. 24041 1887 Mk. I bayonets were later converted to 1887 Mk. IV bayonets at Enfield but I can't tell the difference between them.