*British, WW2, No.5 Mk.I Type 2 Jungle Carbine Bayonet & Scabbard – Radcliffe (N187)*
Original British Second World War No.5 Mk.I Type 2 bayonet, designed for use with the .303 calibre Lee-Enfield No.5 Mk.I “Jungle Carbine.” This example is clearly marked with the wartime dispersal code “N187,” identifying manufacture by Radcliffe, one of the four approved wartime contractors for this pattern.
The bayonet features the correct single-edged Bowie-style blade with full-length central fuller, compact crossguard, and the distinctive large muzzle ring unique to the No.5 pattern. The wooden grip scales wrap fully around the tang and are secured by two screws, reflecting later wartime production.
The bayonet is complete with its correct early steel scabbard, lacking the thick brass throatpiece associated with post-war manufacture. Blade length measures approximately 20 cm, with an overall length of 30.1 cm, consistent with regulation specifications.
Approx. Measurements - Blade length: approx. 20 cm. Overall length: approx. 30.1 cm
Historical Note:
The No.5 Mk.I bayonet was introduced alongside the No.5 Mk.I Jungle Carbine in 1944, intended for service in jungle and tropical theatres where reduced weight and improved handling were required. Shorter and lighter than the standard No.4 bayonet, it was specifically tailored to the compact Jungle Carbine rifle. Unlike most British bayonets, the No.5 Mk.I design features grip scales that fully enclose the tang. Early examples were secured by a single screw and a press stud without a screwdriver slot. Later wartime production, including this example, generally adopted a two-screw configuration to simplify manufacture.
This example bears the dispersal code “N187,” which is firmly attributed to Radcliffe, a wartime contractor about which comparatively little documentation survives. Radcliffe is recorded as producing approximately 75,000 No.5 Mk.I bayonets during the Second World War. By the end of 1945, total wartime production of the No.5 Mk.I bayonet reached 316,122 examples, manufactured by the following contractors: Wilkinson Sword Co. (W.S.C. S294) – 188,354; Viners Ltd. (VNS/N79) – 42,000; Radcliffe (N187) – 75,000; Elkington & Co. Ltd. (M78) – 10,768. An unknown quantity were produced post-war at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Poole (P). The pattern was also produced commercially by Sterling Ltd. (Sterling) for use with the 9 mm Sterling (Patchett) submachine gun, and in limited numbers at Rifle Factory Ishapore (India).
*Condition*
The bayonet is in good original service condition. The blade shows light age toning, minor surface marks, and evidence of historic sharpening consistent with service use. The wooden grips display honest wear and patina, with minor bruising but remain solid and well fitted. The pommel, muzzle ring, and crossguard show scattered oxidation and finish wear commensurate with age, with no structural damage. The N187 marking is worn but legible. The scabbard is original and correct for wartime issue, showing surface wear, finish loss, and light corrosion consistent with service and long-term storage. Please see photographs as part of the condition report
A genuine WW2 British Jungle Carbine bayonet, correctly attributed to Radcliffe manufacture, complete with its original early scabbard. A solid and honest example of a comparatively scarce wartime pattern, increasingly sought after by collectors of British small arms and bayonets.
JAQBOOXEOO_276121065025
