WW1 British Fencing Rifle

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is an interesting item, a WW1 British fencing rifle. This one was made by the W. W. Greener Company for troops to train bayonet/fencing drills as the thought early in the war was that skill with the bayonet was vital. Most of these rifles are from 1914-15 dates. I cannot find the date on this one, however the stock is pretty dirty. I will clean it later and see what shows up. Typically these rifles have the stamp "W.W. Greener Birmingham" with the model numeral below this stamp, while above it was the British broad arrow and above that the date of manufacture. Fully extended the rifle is about 65 inches in length.

This rifle has a spring loaded rod that will retract once hitting its opponent, simulating a thrust. These types of rifles were first used as early as 1863. In 1894 the Martini-Henry mark 4 was introduced, followed by the mark 5 in 1896 (these rifles are still available, but getting harder to find). In 1904 a new version was released to simulate the newly introduced SMLE rifle. The Lee Metford was also converted for use in this role as well. In all 10 versions were made during the run of these rifles, with the last model being retired in 1925. 

[Gildwiller1918]

The latest dated example I have found so far is from 1916, made by CG Bonehill, Rifle Makers, Birmingham. It was marked "X" for Mk X, the last model, approved in 1913.

(image source, internet)

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is a pre-WW1 image, most likely around 1908 of a British fencing team. Note the padded gear and helmets. The rifles they are using are slightly different that the model listed above, but functioned the same. 

(Source, internet)