*WW2, British No4 MK11 Lee Enfield Spike Bayonet made in the USA by Savage Stevens Co., with No 4 Mk1 Scabbard Sheffield Steel Products and Canvas Frog*
This socket bayonet was designed for use with the .303 caliber Lee-Enfield No. 4 rifle, which was colloquially known as the 'pig-sticker.' These bayonets saw extensive service during the Second World War and continued to be used into the 1950s when they were replaced by the 7.62 mm NATO caliber FN–FAL selective-fire rifle.
The No. 4 Mk. II represented a simplified version that did away with the milling cuts necessary for creating the cruciform blade flutes. In all other aspects, it closely resembled the Mk. I, with the bayonet and socket being a single solid forging. Three companies were responsible for manufacturing the No. 4 Mk. II: Singer in Scotland, the Savage Stevens Co. in the USA, and Long Branch in Canada. The No. 4 Mk. II was the most widespread variant, with a production exceeding 3.3 million units. This is made by Savage Stevens Co. given the barely discernable small boxed "S". They manufactured approximately 1.25 million No. 4 Mk. II bayonets in 1941 and 1942, primarily for provision to Britain under the Lend-Lease Act. It's worth noting that Savage-made bayonets were rougher in their forging compared to those produced by Singer or Long Branch.
The No. 4 Mk. I scabbard has a tapered steel body with a ball finial. A drain hole in the finial, which allows water to drain. A round frog stud is brazed to the body. The scabbard mouth is marked with an M in a circle for Mazak indicating its made of Zinc Alloy, and it is maker marked: SSP for Sheffield Steel Products, Sheffield, Yorkshire, dated 1944, War Arrow, No 4, MK1.
The bayonet measures 24.7cm long
*Condition*
This spike bayonet is in good condition. There is rusting on the socket that makes marks very hard to see. Press button works well and scabbard fits securely. The scabbard is in good condition with rusting. The marks on the throat are clear. The green canvas frog is in good condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQBOXCO_6485138251
