British 1952 No 9 MK1 Socket Bayonet and Scabbard

*British 1952 No 9 MK1 Socket Bayonet and Scabbard*

Socket bayonet for use with the .303 caliber Lee-Enfield No. 4 rifle. The No. 9 Mk. I represents the culmination of a post-war desire to replace the No. 4 spike bayonet. It was a simpler more utilitarian affair, its configuration was based on that for the No 4 series with the principal difference being the enlarged underside of the fore-end which merges with a heavy flat-sided shoulder. The base of the blade is welded into the sector-shaped shoulder with the blade form being identical to that of the No 5 series - slim, single-edged with double-edged bowie style clip point, fullered. Back rounded, fuller stops squared. The no. 5 scabbard was retained for use with the no. 9 Mk. I bayonet. Production commenced in 1947, even before the no. 9 Mk. I was officially approved.

Production was transferred to the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield in 1949. 366,902 No. 9 Mk. I bayonets were made at RSAF Enfield between 1949–1956, with an additional 10,000 produced in 1962. The Enfield maker mark is a superimposed "ED", followed by a two-digit year of manufacture. This bayonet is ED 52, i.e 1952. Serial Number - 266560, blade length 195mm. War arrow marks are present. No 5 black metal scabbard with brass throat.

*Condition*
The blade is almost immaculate with clear markings. The scabbard has lost much of its black paint but is in otherwise good condition and fits snugly. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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