This is a WW2 production No.5 Mk1, Type II bayonet for the No.5 Mk 1 Lee Enfield. Mk1, Type I bayonets have only a single screw through the grip scales and are incredibly rare.
The No.5 rifle had a shorter barrel and was lighter in weight, purposely made for airborne troops in the European theatre of World War II. Despite its initial purpose, the No.5 carbine saw most of its service in post war colonial conflicts such as the Malayan Emergency, earning it the nickname “Jungle Carbine.”
The Wilkinson Sword Company received their initial contract for 46,000 No.5 bayonets on the 23rd December 1943 and production began in March 1944. Four companies were contracted to produce the No.5 bayonet during WW2, and the Poole Ordnance factory received a post war contract.
This bayonet was produced during WW2 by the Wilkinson Sword Company, London.
The 200mm clip-point Bowie blade has a single edge and long single fuller below the rounded spine. The blade is in excellent condition. The ricasso retains its original blackening and is stamped with the WSC mark of the Wilkinson Factory and Wilkinson’s war-time dispersal code, S-294. The obverse ricasso bears a broad arrow stamp, a bend test X and a crowned inspection stamp.
The wrap around wooden grips are in excellent condition and are held tightly in place by two screws. The beaked pommel and cross guard retain their original finish and are in great condition with only minor wear. The press stud is in perfect working order and is stamped with a tiny Broad Arrow and the letter S.
The bayonet is complete with its original Mk I scabbard. The scabbard is in great condition and retains its original black finish with some minor age and use-related wear. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent and honest example of a rare wartime produced British No.5 bayonet.
