Rare Retaining Tab** WWII British Lee Enfield No 4 MK 1 Cruciform Spike Bayonet By ‘SM’ (Singer Manufacturing Co) with MK 1 Scabbard Webbing Frog & Rare Leather Retaining Tab with Brass Eyelet. BAYO 781. Bayonets

The No. 4 Bayonet was created to replace the current bayonet at the time in service which was the World War I vintage Pattern 1907 bayonet. It was the result of the British search for a new bayonet to replace the Pattern 1907 which began just after World War I which came to the conclusion around the beginning of World War II that the best replacement for the pattern 1907 bayonet would be a Spike type bayonet. This was then implemented which lead to the No. 4 becoming a Spike type bayonet. The design of the No. 4 Bayonet is said to have been taken from Swiss socket bayonets. The No 4 bayonet was accepted into service alongside the No 4 rifle. During the course of World War II the design of the No 4 bayonet changed over time. In excellent condition. The socket is stamped No. 4 MK.1 and by the manufacturer 'SM' (the Singer Manufacturing Co). Its 8” cruciform blade is undamaged and its ribbed locking catch works as it should. The throat of the scabbard is stamped ‘No4 MK 1’. The scabbard is fitted with an excellent original webbing frog including rare leather retaining tab with brass eyelet. The rear of the frog is stamped with ink markings which appear to be stores numbers. See page 398 No 832 of Watts & White for reference. The price includes UK delivery. BAYO 781.