Rare, South African, c1960s, No.9 Socket Bayonet with M1 Scabbard & Web Frog – ARMSCOR

*Rare, South African, c1960s, No.9 Socket Bayonet with M1 Scabbard & Web Frog – ARMSCOR*

This is a South African-manufactured No.9 socket bayonet, produced by ARMSCOR (Armaments Corporation of South Africa) at Lyttelton Engineering Works, Pretoria, during the 1960s. Designed for the .303 calibre Lee-Enfield No.4 rifle, this version is a distinctive departure from the British No.9 Mk I pattern, most notably in its unmarked blade, simplified construction, and unique scabbard pairing.

According to Ian Skennerton, these bayonets may have been produced using recycled blades from S1 Uzi bayonets (South African designation for the FN Uzi SMG bayonet), or were closely patterned after them. The flat-profile, blackened blade is affixed to the socket block via two transverse steel pins—a feature not found on British examples.

The British No.5 Mk I scabbard was incompatible with this locally-made bayonet, South Africa did not manufacture a dedicated scabbard for the No.9, and various substitutes were fielded. The scabbard is the South African M1 type, originally issued with the Belgian FAL Type A bayonet. It features a blackened steel body and rounded finial. Although slightly longer than necessary for the No.9 blade, this pattern was retained in service and reissued when South Africa adopted the No.9 bayonet. The scabbard throat bears a faint “M in U” which is the Union of South Africa Military property mark.

Key Features:
Origin: South Africa, manufactured by ARMSCOR, Pretoria
Rifle compatibility: Lee-Enfield No. 4 (.303 calibre)
Blade: Spear-point, unfullered, unmarked, 16.5 cm in length; blackened finish; distinct flat profile
Attachment: Large, squared socket block with two visible steel pins securing the blade
Markings: Blade is completely unmarked, which is typical of South African production.
The scabbard throat bears a faint “M in U”.
Scabbard: South African M1 scabbard
Frog: Original khaki canvas South African web frog, riveted and stitched, consistent with military issue of the period

Dimensions (approx.):
Blade length: 16.5 cm
Overall bayonet length: 22.5 cm

*Condition*
This example is in sound used condition. The unmarked blade retains most of its original black finish with minor pitting and oxidation near the base. The socket block shows general wear but is undamaged and structurally solid. The steel scabbard has finish loss and age-related marks but no major dents. The khaki canvas frog is complete, with light fraying and discolouration from service use. Please refer to photographs as part of the condition report.

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