*British, WW2, c1943, No. 4 Mk. II* Spike Bayonet and Scabbard, Made by PSK (Prince-Smith & Stells, Keighly, Yorkshire), subcontracted parts by F.F.& S. Ltd (Fred Fisher & Sons Ltd) and T.R.M.1 (Tinsley Rolling Mills Co. Ltd. of Sheffield)*
Approximate Measurements: 18.2cm spike, 24.9cm overall
Marked – N56 on Socket Face, War Arrow, and No 4 MKII* and traces of P.S.S. Ltd. = Prince-Smith & Stells in Keighly, Yorkshire
Marked: “F.F. & S. Ltd.” = Fred Fisher & Sons Ltd.
T.R.M.1 – “TRM.1”, “TRM.2”, and “TRM 3” = Tinsley Rolling Mills Co. Ltd. of Sheffield
This socket bayonet was specifically designed for the .303 caliber Lee-Enfield No. 4 rifle, commonly referred to as the ‘pig-sticker.’ These bayonets played a significant role during the Second World War and remained in use until the 1950s when they were eventually replaced by the 7.62 mm NATO caliber FN–FAL selective-fire rifle.
The No. 4 Mk. II* bayonet was a simplified version of the Mark II, featuring a two-piece design where the blade and socket were forged separately. This reduced manufacturing costs and enabled production by subcontractors, which helped disperse production and reduce the risk of disruption due to bombing during World War II. The distinct stepped join between the blade and socket is a characteristic feature of this design.
Four UK-based firms—Prince-Smith & Stells, Howard & Bullough, Lewisham Engineering, and Baird Manufacturing Co.—produced a total of 1.4 million No. 4 Mk. II* bayonets. Prince-Smith & Stells of Keighly, Yorkshire, manufactured the majority, with over 1 million units produced between 1942 and 1945. Originally a textile machinery manufacturer, Prince-Smith shifted to bayonet production during the war and was assigned the dispersal code N56 in 1943.
Subcontractors, such as Fred Fisher & Sons Ltd. (F.F. & S. Ltd.), produced many of the socket forgings, often marked with deeply struck stamps. Research by Graham Priest identified “TRM.1,” “TRM.2,” and “TRM.3” as marks of Tinsley Rolling Mills Co. Ltd. of Sheffield, which supplied steel to various socket forging contractors.
The accompanying metal scabbard, the No. 4 Mk, features a tapered steel body with a ball finial, including a drain hole for water drainage. Additionally, it has a round frog stud brazed to the body.
*Condition*
This spike bayonet is in good condition though some markings are faint. Press button works well and scabbard fits securely. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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