Best Bayonet Fighting Company 'medal'
 

I know it's a little off topic, but it's so strange I thought you might all like to see it.
I've seen swords awarded for proficiency in fencing, but never an award for 'bayonet fighting'.
Sterling silver, Birmingham hallmarks for 1906. 39mm across, 16.3g.
Anyone ever seen anything like it?

Yes indeed it is an area of collecting in its own right .. see attached pic ! I know someone who has over 100 different British bayonet fighting medals .

Hi TRL,

Thanks for the picture. Excellent group. Does he have any ones as early as 1906?
I wonder what the soldiers did with them, would they wear them?

Best
Gene

The earlist is 1890 and they go up to 1960. I dont know about wearing ... as some have a ring for a chain of ribbonn, you would think so , but certainly they were not worn along with campaign / gallantry medals. Maybe the only time they were worn was at the time of presentation. I have late Victorian military football medals too ... cant imagine they were worn ! The only instance I know of skill at arms badges being worn is for shooting .. I have an 1880s period Victorian Rifle Volunteers jacket which has numerous gold wire embroidered rifle shooting badges sewn on the sleeves , each with a date .

Thanks TRL,

I've seen 30s-60s bronze ones for shooting and sports before, but not pre-ww1 examples.
Are the earlier ones like my cross unusual?

That jacket sounds nice!

Appreciate the help
Gene

I think they are all unusual , I have one just like yours but for the life of my I cannot lay my hands on it in my chaotic collection. Meanwhile some pics of the shooting badges on my Victorian Cheshire Rifle Vols jacket.

Thats a really nice jacket TRL!
You say you've got a cross like mine? Is it exactly the same?

Thanks .... well I think mine is pretty well the same as yours but I just cannot find it ... it will be in a box somewhere .. will let you know when I find it.

Excellent thanks TRL