Mervyn Mitton

1888 2nd. pattern British bayonet for the Lee-Metford rifle. This example was first issued in 1891 - but has later re-issue markings. Made by Wilkinson. Has an interesting suede frog, which I do'nt think is standard issue - more likely one of the irregular colonial units, who adopted it for their uniform.

Joe - now that you say so - yes, you're right. However, there was a leather scabbard and frog for the 2nd. pattern which must have looked very similar - I don't think it had the long neck below the loop. Do you have a big collection of bayonets - I have always thought them a good collecting field. Mervyn

Patiently waiting.... No pressure !!!!

Don't care what you say - I'm staying in Africa and fighting lions !!! If I do have to come to the US , I want Stogieman as a neighbour.....

Yes, I think you're right. We had an identical scabbard and frog on a dated 1903 2nd. pattern. This should bring it back-up to the top and others can comment - seems to be a bit more interest in bayonets at present.

Leigh - welcome back - again!! (twice in two weeks, are you using 'up' sick leave? ) Pity about the 1907, you don't see many now - many people bring them in , but, in reality they are the Japanese bayonet from the same period which also has a down turned quillion. Your comment about British sawbacks - yes, we had several patterns - but were any still being used by 1914 ?

I should have added that it is of rabbit skin.

BUSBY for the Royal Artillery Band. Queen's Crown and still in use. I am told they are the only RA unit still wearing it - although King's Troop certainly does ??

Joe - look on the edge or, spine. Usually it has the Imperial Crown and the two numerals for date of manufacture ?

There are photos in existance - I will post them when I next see one. Very little is known pre 1879 and they ceased after that date. The Zulus did not have a written history - they have 'praise'singers', who still go before the Zulu King and the President. I have added a picture of Zulu metal workers in the other Arm Band post.

This bravery award ranks below the arm band shown. Made from a thorn bush - they are now very rare - after all, the last one was awarded 131 years ago ! (from: Zulu Treasures)

Brian - I tried to find the Ethnographic Museum - however, they've moved. Maybe Helen can help with her contacts? Failing that, contact the British Council in Ottawa - let them earn their money. Mervyn

Yes - these are fairly rare - value about ?150/200. This one is in nice condition. Mauser 'sawback' - short version - in use mainly in WW1. Intended originally to cut down brush in front of firing positions or, gun emplacements. In the Colonial version, mainly carried by NCO's. The famous story regarding them, is that British troops let it be known they would kill any enemy soldier in possesion of a sawback. The reason being - of course - the dreadful wounds it would leave. Truth , or not, the fact is that many of the examples we see have had the saw part filed off ! Many armies used sawback bayonets. Joe, you need to do close-ups - on the forte, under the guard will be all of the issue details - incl. on the spine the year of issue.

(From: Zulu Treasures. 'Zulu Blacksmiths at Work' . G.F.Angas )

Any idea who he was and what unit ? Mervyn

I think it has to be - but, what keeps the 'buckle' area central?

Hi - I was just going to switch off, and do something useful, like a nap ! We're one hour ahead of UK. To answer your question - the correct modern spelling is Isandlawana - always used to have an 'h' Isandhlawana, and the Zulus pronounce 'hl' as shhh - so, the old way was iSanshlawana - small i means 'from' or, m means 'place of'. Umhalanga - where I live - means Place of the Reeds, but plans are to modernise this and make it mHlanga. Just costs a fortune in new letterheads! The arm bands were really just a warriors adornments - although the exact positioning could also indicate his Regt. or, Impi also, just under these could be a band with hanging goats hair - again, these were often colour coded. They didn't have medals as such - their highest award was the arm band I posted some time ago. There was also a special necklace - I think it was Iziqu, which was awarded for great bravery. These are made from thorn trees and are rare.