British No.7 Mk1/L, Land Service Bayonet.
These scarce bayonets were made for use with the Sten Mk V sub machine gun. Originally, they were also intended for the Lee Enfield No.4 rifle but after incidents involving rounds hitting the muzzle ring they were only issued with this rifle for parade purposes.
The No7 Mk 1 Land service bayonet was designed in 1944 and a total of only 330,000 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 and is in excellent condition. The blade retains its original polished finish with some slight scratches and scabbard wear. The ricasso is stamped with the bayonet’s designation “No.7 Mk 1/L.” The obverse ricasso bears the date, 1946 and the Poole factory maker’s mark, a letter P inside a circle.
The swivel pommel is in perfect working order and retains its original black finish with mild use related wear. The block is stamped with an arrow mark, as is the release mechanism. The Paxolin grips are in very good condition.
The bayonet is complete with its No.5 scabbard in very good condition. The top of the scabbard is stamped with a Broad Arrow mark.
This is a scarce and highly collectable bayonet in great condition.
