E205 Bayonet Fencing Musket MK.X No.1 or No.2, First World War
A British military (Greener and Bonehill both made these) bayonet fencing musket used for training in bayonet fighting, introduced in 1915, (see List of Changes… in War Materials No. 17503) Mk10 No.1 and Mk.10 No.2 bayonet training rifle. The spring loaded “bayonet” avoiding damage to an opponent; this type included a heavy steel buttplate (for Butt Swiping – something not taught in the British military until the 1890’s), but did not have the heavy cast handguard of earlier models – considered more realistic as well as being simpler to produce with standard commercial bolts, screws and guaging. Broad Arrow marked; main body 46” overall length 63”. A good example of the means of training found necessary in the trench fighting of the Great War. It has evidence of old pitting but well and sympathetically cleaned and in good working order. This model was developed as a more easily manufactured item under wartime exigencies to support the rapidly expanding British army, and was retained in service post WW1 and renamed Fencing Musket No.3 in the revised post 1926 nomenclature. 
£250 W/S