The Bayonet Pattern1888 produced for the Lee-Metford Rifle, comprises a double edged blade of approximately 12" in length. This blade common to all variants of this bayonet. The blade is not fullered but is of distinctive shape in cross-section being almost an elongated diamond shape. The grips are of wood and the first pattern of this bayonet had these grips secured with three brass rivets. these comprised, one large rivet, and two smaller rivets were situated side by side. An oiling hole was situate just below this pair of smaller rivets. Shortly after the introduction of this bayonet, a new version was issued in which the grips were secured by only two brass rivets. The large rivet remained unchanged, but the two small rivets were now replaced by a single large rivet which was positioned below the oiling hole.

Above: The 1888 Mk1 Bayonet 2nd pattern. Details: Note brass rivets in grip and position of oiling hole to the right of the second rivet. Mk1 bayonets also have a hole (not visible above ) through the hilt to allow for the longer clearing rod of the Lee Metford Rifle. Above Left: P1888 Mk1 first type: Note rivets and position of oiling hole composite picture for illustration Above Right: P1888 Mk1 2nd type Note differences in rivets and position of oiling hole when compared to first type

The next modification of this bayonet, the Mark 2 came with the introduction of the Mark 1 Lee Enfield rifle. The bayonet is identical to the previous example save for the relocation of the oiling hole in the grips. The adoption of the new rifle meant that this was relocated to to the pommel, this also resulted in the brass rivets through the grips being moved further apart.

Above: The 1888 Mk2 Bayonet Details: Note the position of the brass rivets in grip. Note the lack of oiling hole in the grips, oiling hole is now relocated to the pommel. Note there is no hole through the hilt for a clearing rod on this Mark.

The final modification was designated the Mark 3 and differed from the previous Mark 2 examples in having the brass rivets replaced by blued steel. For details of the P1888 Mk3 , details of the P1888 bayonet scabbard variants and details of the P1903 bayonet continue to next page