British, c1944-48, No.7 Mk I/L Bayonet with Scabbard, Relic Condition

*British, c1944-48, No.7 Mk I/L Bayonet with Scabbard, Relic Condition*

A relic example of the scarce British No.7 Mk I/L bayonet, complete with scabbard. Measuring approx. 25.6cm overall with a 19.9cm blade, the piece retains its bowie-profile blade with long fuller, now heavily corroded but structurally intact. The hilt retains only the inner tubular socket and pommel assembly, with external grip furniture absent. Ricasso markings include a War Department broad arrow with inspector’s number “3”, and the reverse bears a rubbed stamp resembling Arabic script. The accompanying steel scabbard survives in relic condition with deep corrosion but remains complete.

Historical Note:
Adopted in 1944, the No.7 Mk I/L was one of the most distinctive British bayonets of the Second World War, designed to serve both as a knife and as a bayonet for the Sten Mk V and No.4 Lee-Enfield rifle. Its swivelling socket and bowie-form blade marked a departure from the utilitarian spike bayonets of the period. With only around 330,000 produced by ROF Poole, Elkington, and Birmingham Small Arms, it remains a comparatively uncommon model.

The broad arrow and inspector’s number confirm British government acceptance. The faint additional stamp on the reverse ricasso appears to resemble Arabic script, possibly indicating later service or reissue in the Middle East, where surplus British bayonets were widely supplied in the post-war years.

*Condition*
The bayonet survives in relic condition. The blade is complete but heavily pitted with surface losses and corrosion. The hilt retains only the internal socket/pommel assembly, with grip plates and locking catch absent or eroded. Ricasso markings remain partly legible. The steel scabbard is present with advanced rusting and surface loss but remains structurally intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

RQMBOXDO_7725212791