An excellent example of the Canadian Ross Mk II bayonet, manufactured by Ross Rifle Co., Quebec and dated January 1917. This bayonet is complete with its original leather scabbard and remains in outstanding condition throughout. The blade is exceptionally well preserved, while the heavy leather scabbard has survived in excellent order with all its stitching intact.

Interestingly, the reverse of the scabbard has been lightly personalised with what appears to be the owner’s name “Mike”, although the letters are faint and harder to identify the surname with certainty, but detailed photographs have been provided.

Blade

The blade is in near mint condition and retains its original factory edge. It is the correct unfullered, single-edged pattern and displays the later dull grey military finish introduced in October 1915, replacing the earlier bright polished finish. The original blueing remains intact on the ricasso, clearly showing where the grey blade finish begins.

The blade retains crisp machining marks, an excellent point and outstanding overall condition with very little evidence of use.

Hilt & Grips

The wooden grip plates are in excellent condition with only a couple of very minor handling marks. Both grips retain their original inspection stamps.

One side of the pommel is marked Ross Rifle Co., Quebec – Patented 1907, while the opposite side bears the Canadian Government Broad Arrow together with the date 1/17, confirming manufacture in January 1917.

The press-stud retaining catch operates correctly, and the crossguard, pommel and press-stud retain virtually all of their original blued finish.

Scabbard

The original leather scabbard is in excellent condition. The heavy leather body remains firm with all stitching tight and intact, while the original steel chape is securely fitted.

The throat retains much of its original blued finish and is stamped with its issue number. The bayonet fits the scabbard perfectly.

Near the chape are the original inspection markings including the Mk II designation and Canadian Broad Arrow, all shown in the accompanying photographs.

The reverse of the scabbard carries a lightly hand-inscribed name which appears to begin with “Mike”, although the remainder of the inscription is too faint to read with certainty.

Also present is the original punched hole through the rear belt loop. This was an officially approved Canadian modification, introduced under the Canadian List of Changes in 1912, allowing the scabbard to engage with the brass hook fitted to the Canadian service tunic. British contract Ross scabbards generally do not feature this modification.

The original leather frog staple remains securely attached, while an additional Canadian Broad Arrow inspection stamp is present on the upper front of the scabbard.

Overall

A superb January 1917 dated Canadian Ross Mk II bayonet retaining its original leather scabbard, excellent blade finish, strong original markings and all the characteristics collectors look for. Fine Ross bayonets in this condition are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Historical Note

The Ross Mk II bayonet was developed for use with the Canadian Ross Rifle and served throughout the First World War. Although the Ross rifle itself was eventually replaced in front-line service by the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield, the bayonet earned a reputation for its strong construction and distinctive design. Today, original examples retaining their wartime finish, Canadian inspection marks and original leather scabbards are highly sought after by collectors of Canadian and First World War militaria.

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