*Sterling 9mm Sub Machine Gun MK4 L2A3, EU UK Spec, with MK5 British Bayonet & Scabbard. Deactivated*
Sterling SMG 9m/m MK4 (L2A3) Serial no KR54104 with folding shoulder stock, detachable ‘Sterling’ marked magazine and bayonet and scabbard. This variant, the Mk4, or L2A3, was in use from the late 1950s up to the Gulf War.
The Sterling submachine gun is a British submachine gun (SMG). It was tested by the British Army in 1944–1945, but did not start to replace the Sten until 1953. It started to replace the Sten in 1953 as the “Sub-Machine Gun L2A1”. Its last variation was the L2A3. A successful and reliable design, it remained standard issue in the British Army until 1994, when it began to be replaced by the L85A1, a bullpup assault rifle.
A bayonet was produced and issued in British Army service, but was rarely employed except for ceremonial duties. It was derived from the version issued with the Rifle No. 5 Mk I “Jungle Carbine”, the main difference being a smaller ring on the SLR bayonet to fit the rifle’s muzzle. When mounted, the Sterling bayonet was offset to the left of the weapon’s vertical line, which gave a more natural balance when used for bayonet-fighting.
A total of over 400,000 Sterlings was manufactured between 1953 and 1988. Sterling built them at their factory in Dagenham for the British armed forces and for overseas sales. Production ceased in 1988 with the closing of Sterling Armaments.
*Condition*
A nice clean example, with most of its original painted finish on the steel. Trigger moves under spring pressure but it does not cock. Fully deactivated. Deactivation certificate include. The bayonet is in good condition with a good firm fit to the the metal scabbard, minor pitting to the blade. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQGEOXAOO_4518130101
