World War II bayonet?

[Theredstrokes]

We came across this bayonet in the banks of the Llano River in Texas. We know it's from 1942 and stamped England. There are some markings that we cannot decipher. Anyone have more info on this?

 

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[BAW]

It is an "Indian pattern" bayonet made to fit the British MkIII SMLE rifle. The crown and GRI stand for "Georgius Rex Imperator" (George, King/Emperor). The "MkII" is the model designation, the "7 42" is the date of manufacture (July 1942) and the "RFI" stands for "Rifle Factory Ishapore", the Indian arsenal where it was made. The "England" mark was most likely applied by an importer. Why a bayonet made in India should be marked "England" is more than I could say. Your speciman appears to be missing the press stud which lockx it in place when it is mounted on the rifle. For some reason many people who use a bayonet as a knife instead of as a bayonet feel compelled to remove the press stud.

 

[Blackfoot58]

So this would fit a .303 British WWII rifle? A lot of those were tied in with Imperial India, back in the day.

 

[Red-Coat]

Agree with the ID, but I have some additional comment.

The ‘42’ is the year of manufacture, but I don’t think the ‘7’ is for July. I believe it's an indication that this is 1907 pattern. That pattern was originally a 17 inch blade with a fuller on both sides (produced up until 1941) and then modified as the Mk II with the blade shortened to 12 inches and no fullers.

The ‘RFI’ is indeed for the ‘Rifle Factory Ishapore’ in India, who produced it. Quite why it’s also stamped ‘England’ is a bit of a mystery but I can’t see that being from an importer. Those kinds of marks are required to indicate actual country of manufacture. My best guess is that the steelwork was originally from one of the English manufacturers and the bayonet was ‘finished’ or refurbished by RFI. They were not only a primary manufacturer but also a major refurbisher of British colonial bayonets until independence in 1947 and thereafter for use by the Indian army.

Value-wise, you could probably expect to pick one up (over here) with the scabbard at dealer prices from around £60 - £100 depending on condition. Rather less in that condition without the scabbard.

 

[pepperj]

So this would fit a .303 British WWII rifle? A lot of those were tied in with Imperial India, back in the day.

It seems that they were still using the same rifles in 1992-
"Why change it if it isn't broke"

 

[Blackfoot58]

I’ve had several .303 military rifles.
Stampings showing retooling and replacement barrel dates. A few had a “P” designation. I wad told these were issued to Police depts in India post-war. A very serviceable rifle, although I’m not a big fan of stripper clips.

 

[pepperj]

I’ve had several .303 military rifles.
Stampings showing retooling and replacement barrel dates. A few had a “P” designation. I wad told these were issued to Police depts in India post-war. A very serviceable rifle, although I’m not a big fan of stripper clips.

I noticed the police still having the very similar models slung over the shoulder.
Well taken care of, the oils of time really showed on the stocks.
I had a pretty good long viewing of the rifles while being guarded in the Victorian train station for hours waiting to get out of Mumbai (Bombay)1993
This was after the bombing of the stock exchange/markets.