WW1 303 BAYONET BY SANDERSON WITH ARAB ISSUE MARKS DATED 1916.
A First World War .303 caliber bayonet featuring Arabic markings is typically a British Pattern 1907 (P1907). These weapons were originally manufactured for the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle and later saw service or modification in the Middle East.
Historical Context & Origins
- Turkish Captures: Many British P1907 bayonets were captured by Ottoman forces during the Gallipoli Campaign or Mesopotamian campaigns. The Turks frequently modified the hilts to fit their own Mauser rifles, ground down the original British stamps, and added their own Arabic/Ottoman script.
- Egyptian & Middle Eastern Service: Large quantities of SMLE rifles and bayonets were issued to or left in Egypt, Transjordan, and Iraq during and after WWI. These often received local property stamps.
- The Hedjaz Arab Army: During the Arab Revolt (1916–1918), Great Britain supplied thousands of .303 SMLE rifles and matching bayonets to the forces of Sharif Hussein of Mecca (aided by T.E. Lawrence).
This 303 bayonet is an unusual bayonet. Maker marked to Sanderson with a date stamp 1916. It has Arab issue marks and could possibly be Egyptian or Lawrence of Arabias Hedjaz Army. Clean blade and scabbard. Not very often seen. I have two of these.