*British, WW2, NO.4. MK.II Spike Bayonet by Savage-Stevens Co., and No.4. M-1 Scabbard*
Approximate Measurements: 20cm blade, 24.7cm overall
Bayonet Marked: “NO.4. MK.II, S” and “S” again on the spring plunger
Scabbard Marked: “No.4. M-1”
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 version, eliminating the milling cuts required to create the cruciform blade flutes. The NO.4. MK.II was otherwise identical to the MK. I, with the bayonet and socket one solid forging. Three firms produced 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, by far, the most numerous variant, with over 3.3 million units produced.
The Savage-Stevens Co. of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, made approximately 1.25 million No. 4 Mk. II bayonets during 1941 and 1942. These were provided to Britain under the Lend-Lease Act. Savage-made bayonets are much cruder forgings than those made by either Singer or Long Branch. Savage marked their bayonets with a deeply-struck “s”. Savage was the only other maker to follow Singer’s pattern of also marking the spring plunger. The Savage-Stevens plant in Chicopee Falls was where New England Westinghouse produced Mosin-Nagant M1891 rifles in 1915–1917 under contract to the Imperial Russian government.
The scabbard is marked at the throat “No.4. M-1” 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.
*Condition*
The bayonet and scabbard are in good used condition. The scabbard fits securely. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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