Rare, late WW2, British, No 4 MKIII Spike Bayonet by Joseph Lucas Ltd and Mark 11 Scabbard

*Rare, late WW2, British, No 4 MKIII Spike Bayonet, by Joseph Lucas Ltd, and Mark 11 Scabbard*.

This uncommon bayonet is a late WW2 No 4 MKIII Spike Bayonet, representing the final and most basic form of the No. 4 spike bayonet. The socket is constructed by welding seven sheet steel stampings together, eliminating the need for socket forging. Even the spring plunger is a stamping. Joseph Lucas Ltd., Chester Street, Birmingham, produced a total of 196,200 units, all under the makers code M158, although it's not discernable in this case. The No. 4 Mk. III was declared obsolete in 1946, and the rod is stamped with the numeral 1.

The accompanying Mark 11 Scabbard is marked S191 at the tip, indicating Franco-British Electrical Company, Tempel Park, Hurley, as the manufacturer. It also features a clear pheon - British War Department arrow on the throat. This unusual scabbard has parallel sides and is crafted from very lightweight steel tubing. According to Skennerton, only 25,000 experimental Mk II scabbards were manufactured.

*Condition*
This bayonet is in good condition the socket retains some original finish. The blade is in good condition with no pitting. The Mk1I steel scabbard is in very nice condition retaining 90% original finish. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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