A No.5 Mk.I bayonet for the Lee-Enfield No.5 “Jungle Carbine” rifle, manufactured by Wilkinson Sword Co. Ltd., 53 Pall Mall, London. This example is the second production pattern, featuring two-screw wooden grip scales that fully encase the tang. The 202 mm clip-point blade has a single edge with wide fullers on both sides below the rounded spine, paired with a beaked pommel and cross guard. The ricasso is marked W.S.C above the inspection batch code B 294, a standard Wilkinson format (often misread as “S” due to stamp style). The reverse ricasso bears the broad arrow acceptance mark and bend test “X” proof. No scabbard present.
Historical Note: The No.5 Mk.I bayonet was introduced in March 1944 for the No.5 Mk.I “Jungle Carbine” rifle and remained in production until December 1947. It became well known for its extensive postwar service in colonial operations, notably during the Malayan Emergency. The bayonet was also compatible with the 9 mm Sterling L2 submachine gun.
By the end of 1945, approximately 316,122 No.5 Mk.I bayonets had been produced by four wartime contractors: Wilkinson Sword Co. — 188,354; Viners Ltd. — 42,000; Radcliffe — 75,000; Elkington & Co. Ltd. — 10,768.
*Condition* Good service-used condition. Blade retains a dark finish with light operational wear. Wooden grips solid, showing minor handling marks. Pommel and catch mechanism function correctly. No scabbard. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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