These rare bayonets were made for use with the Sten MkV sub machine gun. Originally they were also intended for the Lee Enfield No.4 rifle but after incidents involving rounds hitting the muzzle ring, were only issued with this rifle for parade purposes.
This bayonet was made by the Birmingham Small Arms factory (BSA) in 1945 and is one of only 25,000 made by BSA.
The No7 Mk 1 Land service bayonet was designed in 1944 and a total of only 176,000 were produced. The design was perfected by the Wilkinson Sword Co., who produced 1,000 bayonets in 1944 and subsequent production was carried out by four others makers from 1945 until 1948.
The bayonet’s innovative design with its unique swiveling pommel allowed it to be both bayonet and fighting knife with deep finger grooves in the hilt which is made of resin impregnated cloth called Paxolin.
The 207mm clip point blade has a deep single fuller on both sides, is in mint condition and is stamped on the ricasso with its designation “7 M. K. 1/L.” In addition, there is a rare inspection stamp of “o↑o” which Ian Skennerton in his book “The Enfield Story,” page 488, explains that it denotes this bayonet as being one of only 10% of available stores to have undergone an additional examination. Only 2,500 of BSA production would have borne this stamp.
The swivel pommel retains all its original blued finish and bears the marks “M47 B” and the War Department broad arrow. The socket catch is also stamped with a broad arrow. The paxolin grips are in mint condition as is the steel scabbard which also retains its original finish.
This is a rare and highly collectable bayonet in mint condition.
