Chromed P1907 bayonet...what to do?

[RangeRover]

As part of a package deal I recently came into possession of a chromed P1907 bayonet.

It's an '18-dated Sanderson, C-broad arrow stamped and marked to the B.C. Regiment (BCR 25). Functions fine and grips are in great shape. Plating has worn away at the tip of the bayonet and there are some areas of dullness elsewhere. There are a couple of other small "wows" along the blade, but can't tell if it's a flaw in the plating or an underlying issue with the blade itself. No scabbard.

So...never having removed plating from any item, but attracted to the bayonet given its Canadian and regimental linkage, I'm wondering whether to remove the chrome or if it's best left as-is. How have efforts of other removing plating turned out? Any before and after pictures that can be shared?

 

[John Sukey]

I suspect it was plated as a parade bayonet, not as a fighting weapon, and probably done when in service

 

[fenceline]

Leave it alone until you can verify who may have plated it. If it was done in service then leave it for sure. If it turns out bubba likely did it well then do what ya like. Just IMHO

 

[green]

IIRC the parade bts were nickel plated.

 

[fugawi]

Leave it the way it is until you can verify who plated it.

 

[bearhunter]

It sounds like it's nickle plated, rather than chromed.

More than likely done by the military as mentioned for parade ground purposes.

A few Legions in Canada used to have a couple of such rifles around for salutes, during Rememberance Day and at funerals of a member.

It wasn't a common thing though and this might be one of those bayonets.

I personally can't see someone that doesn't own a plating shop going through the effort and expense of plating what was more than likely a $2 bayonet back in the day.

In 1965, model 1907 bayonets could be had for 50 cents each, if you bought two dozen or $1.50 each if purchased individually.

 

[5THBATT]

"Chromed P1907 bayonet...what to do?"

 

[eos]

The 48 Highrs, B.O.C. ( Bn Orderly Corporal) was issued this type of chromed bayonet with a white P1888 frog and white parade belt for duty.

 

[albayo]

Leave it alone, and look for the matching rifle.

 

[RangeRover]

Oooo...shiny.

Very cool rifles, 5th Batt and Albayo, and thanks for all input so far on this bayonet. FWIW, here are some (less than ideal, sorry) photos of the bayonet in question. Perhaps the more knowledgeable can pass a verdict on nickel vs. chrome finish.

 

[albayo]

My oldest ceremonial bayonet is a Pattern 1858 style bayonet. I have collected them for the past 30 years and have a chromed or nickel plated bayonet with a standard military one for comparison. Mine are mostly Commonwealth and US.

 

[maxinumarmor]

Any chrome or nickel plating shop can strip that for you safely if you decide to go that way with it.I think mine has the same markings as yours but only nonchromed.

Oooo...shiny.

Very cool rifles, 5th Batt and Albayo, and thanks for all input so far on this bayonet. FWIW, here are some (less than ideal, sorry) photos of the bayonet in question. Perhaps the more knowledgeable can pass a verdict on nickel vs. chrome finish.