The following sections give an overview of the countries I have identified as users of the 1907 pattern bayonets
The original user of the 1907, they started receiving the blades in April 1908, the last blades being delivered during WWII with contracts for the Admiralty for use on the Lanchester SMG. Many WWI issued blades were reworked/refurbished either for use by UK forces or for sale/transfer to other countries, many of these can be found marked with 20’s dates.
During WWII only limited numbers of the 1907 pattern bayonets were made, as the UK had changed over to the No4 rifle from the No1 (originally the SMLE) and used the No4 spike bayonet.
Home guard units were eventually equipped with US supplied P14 rifles, however they also used the 1907 pattern bayonet. There are several modified 1907 bayonets reputedly modified for use by the Home Guard, but I have found no documentation to justify the claims.
Channel island militia units were also issued with the SMLE and the 1907 bayonet prior to their occupation during WWII
The Australians started production of the 1907 prior to WWI and continued production during WWII
The second largest maker of the 1907 pattern bayonet, and the most prolific maker of variations and reworks. Commencing production in 1911, they ended up making 11 different variations on the base model with production running until after WWII. They also used UK produced blades, and these can be found reworked with fully blued blades and/or false edges applied without removal of the original UK markings.
Under Indian production the 1907 lost its fuller and was reduced to a 12” blade, in its final configuration the pommel shape was squared of to minimise manufacturing needs.
New Zealand used blades supplied by the UK and Australia, some of these were marked but many are not, and it would be difficult to prove provenance on any blade not marked with the N^Z Pommel mark.
Provided with bayonets by the UK, Canadian bayonets are all marked with a Canadian acceptance mark on the pommel.
South Africa used blades supplied by the UK and Australia as well as home produced versions.
Turkey used captured bayonets during WWI, and after the war bought additional stocks from the UK, so it is possible to find Turkish blades with WWI dates and also with mid 20’s rework dates. Many of these blades were shortened to the generic “1935” pattern with extended cross guards and blades shortened to the standard 250mm blade length. Australian and UK made bayonets can be found with such modifications. Note that many of the Australian supplied blades are identified as Gallipoli captures but carefull examination of the markings will show manufacture dates that are too late, or show UK refurbishment marks for the 20 ’s (so obviously these were not at Gallipoli!)
In 1920 Siam placed a contract with BSA (British Small Arms) for 10,000 rifles and bayonets. BSA fulfilled this order by refurbishing ex UK issue equipment. The bayonets were refurbished, and the original UK markings removed and a very distinctive Tigers head stamp applied to the ricasso with the rifles serial number in Siamese script below the marking. The climate in Siam was not very gentle on the scabbard and many were reworked using the original chape and locket braised onto a new steel sheet body.
The Italians used the SMLE rifle after WWII for a short period of time, they used both the 1907 pattern bayonet and a home produced version of their 1891 pattern bayonet for use on the SMLE rifle.
The Japanese made a bayonet to be used on captured SMLE rifles, using Japanese blades with a 1907 style cross guard grips and pommel. Since the 1907 was based on the Arisaka, the circle is completed. I have also been told that UK made and marked 1907's have been found with no UK issue markings but with Japanese style characters on them, these were apparently coming in from the US, however i have found no images or confirmation of this.
During WWI the Germans captured large numbers of the 1907 bayonet from the allied troops. These bayonets were often issued to rear echelon troops either with the rifles or as a side arm. The Germans also produced a limited number of steel Ersatz style scabbards for these blades to either replace the leather UK ones, or to provide scabbards for blades captured without scabbards. The reported examples of marked blades show that the majority are of the quillioned variety, this probably showing the need early in the war for weapons for the German troops.
During the independence fight after WWII Israel used whatever weapons they could get hold of, including the SMLE and its bayonets, some of these would be captures from their actions against the occupying UK troops, others would have been bought on the weapons market. Amongst the bayonets they used were home produced ones.
During WWI units of the American forces were put into the line with UK units for training purposes. To prevent supply problems these units were issued with British rifles and bayonets, there are however no reports of them being marked in any distinguishable way, it would need very good provenance to prove a 1907 was US issued.