The British No.9 Mk1 socket bayonet was the result of a post-war desire to replace the unpopular No.4 spike bayonet. Production commenced in 1947.
From 1947 to 1949, around 200,000 No.9 Mk I bayonets were produced at the Royal Ordinance Factory at Poole in Dorset. In 1949, production of the No.9 bayonet moved to the Enfield Small Arms factory. Enfield produced the No.9 bayonet until 1956, with a final batch of 10,000 being made at Enfield in 1962.
This bayonet was made at Enfield in 1951. The 202mm Bowie style blade has a rounded spine and terminates in a sharpened clip point. The blade has a deep single fuller and a factory sharpened edge. The blade retains its original finish and is stamped on the forte with the War Department arrow.
The socket bears the pattern designation, N0.9 Mk1 and the Enfield maker’s mark, a D containing an over stamped E and F. The year of manufacture, “-51,” is stamped beside the maker’s mark on the socket block. To the left of the pattern designation is an arrow with 71 on one side and J on the other. The War Department arrow is stamped above this. The front of the block above the blade bears an Enfield inspector’s mark.
The bayonet is complete with its No.5 Mk I scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition. The frog stud is canted towards the bottom of the scabbard and looks as if it may have been re-attached. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within.
This is a good example of the iconic British post war No.9 bayonet.
