A particularly interesting and excellent-condition Canadian Ross Rifle Co. Mk II bayonet, dated 2/17 (February 1917), complete with its brown leather scabbard.

What sets this example apart is the strongly marked frog, stamped “93 / 255TH BN C.E.F.”, identifying it with the 255th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. This is an especially appealing association as the bayonet dates precisely to the period in which the 255th Battalion was being raised and prepared for overseas service.

The bayonet also carries numerous Canadian military acceptance and inspection markings, while the leatherwork retains further stamps and markings.

Blade

The blade is in near mint condition, retaining an exceptionally clean finish with crisp fullers, a well-defined point and very little evidence of wear. Original cross graining lines remain clearly visible across the blade.

This is an exceptionally well-preserved blade for a Canadian First World War Ross bayonet.

Hilt & Grips

The pommel is clearly marked “ROSS RIFLE CO. / QUEBEC / PATENTED 1907”, with the opposite face carrying Canadian military markings and the date 2/17.

Further Canadian inspection/acceptance marks are present on the tang, including repeated inspection stamps.

The wooden grips remain in excellent condition with attractive colour and grain, showing only light service wear. The steel crossguard and pommel retain an excellent dark finish, with a functioning rifle retaining button.

Scabbard

The brown leather scabbard is in excellent condition, remaining firm and well shaped with a very pleasing original appearance. The scabbard throat displays a serial number (T11893) although, I’m unsure exactly what this refers to.

The leather carries further Canadian inspection/acceptance markings, including the Canadian C-broad-arrow property mark. Additional markings are present towards the lower section of the scabbard.

The bayonet fits the scabbard perfectly.

Overall

An excellent and particularly interesting February 1917 Canadian Ross Mk II bayonet, made considerably more desirable by its 255th Battalion CEF-marked frog.

The near mint blade, excellent leatherwork, numerous Canadian military markings and strong CEF association combine to make this a very attractive and historically interesting First World War Canadian bayonet.

Historical Note

The 255th Battalion (Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada), Canadian Expeditionary Force, was a Toronto-raised First World War unit associated with the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.

Official Canadian lineage records state that the battalion was authorized as the 255th “Overseas” Battalion, CEF on 1 May 1917, embarked for Britain in June 1917 and was absorbed into the 12th Reserve Battalion, CEF shortly afterwards to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. It was disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The Queen’s Own Rifles museum records a strength of only 13 officers and 284 other ranks leaving Canada.

The bayonet’s February 1917 date therefore sits extremely well with the period in which the 255th was being formed and its men were preparing for overseas service. Combined with the clearly stamped 255TH BN C.E.F. frog, it gives this particular example a notably strong Canadian Expeditionary Force connection.

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