*British No4 MK11* Lee Enfield Spike Bayonet by Prince Smith & Stells with Plastic scabbard and 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* was a simplified variation of the Mk. 11, featuring separate forgings for the socket and blade. This design not only reduced production costs but also allowed subcontractors to manufacture the bayonets, diversifying production and minimizing the risk of disruptions due to bombing raids. The distinctive stepped join between the blade and socket is a characteristic of the two-piece construction of the No. 4 Mk. II*.
The mark on the bayonet, looks like “O 4 (remnant of No) MK11” with a “P” below it and the remnants of a circle, suggests that this bayonet was manufactured by Prince-Smith & Stells in Keighly, Yorkshire. They produced a substantial number of 1,057,515 No. 4 Mk. II* bayonets from 1942 to 1945. Before the war, Prince-Smith primarily specialized in producing machinery for the woolen textile industry.
The accompanying scabbard is likely a Plastic Mk. III scabbard, characterized by parallel sides and an oval frog stud. According to Skennerton, these scabbards were most likely manufactured in North America, specifically in the United States or Canada.
*Condition*
This spike bayonet is in excellent condition though markings are faint and there is a small amount of rusting on the socket. Press button works well and scabbard fits securely.
JAQAEx_3248134814
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