* British, WW2, Pre 1943 No 4. MK11 Spike Bayonet, by Singer, and Unusual Scabbard with MK1 Mouthpiece and MK II Body*
The No. 4 Mk. II, a simplified version of the MK I, eliminated the milling cuts necessary for creating cruciform blade flutes. Other than this change, the No. 4 Mk. II retained the characteristics of the Mk. I, featuring a bayonet and socket as a single forging. Singer in Scotland, the Savage Stevens Co. in the USA, and Long Branch in Canada were the three firms that produced the No. 4 Mk. II, making it the most numerous variant, with over 3.3 million units manufactured.
This Spike Bayonet by Singer bears markings similar to the Mk. Is, "G (Crown) R" over "No 4 Mk I" over "S M", which Singer maintained until 1943 when they switched to the wartime code N67. Singer produced 1,141,782 No. 4 Mk. II bayonets from 1942–1944. Occasionally, inspector's marks are also found on No. 4 bayonets, and this one appears to have the letters "15Z." Additionally, it bears the number 53 stamped on the side.
The scabbard is unique, featuring a dated MK1 mouthpiece paired with a MK 11 scabbard. The throat of the scabbard mouthpiece is marked "No 4 MK 1, 1944, SSP," with SSP representing Sheffield Steel Products in Sheffield, Yorkshire. The scabbard is marked at the foot with "S191," the wartime code for Franco-British Electrical Company, Tempel Park, Hurley. This uncommon scabbard, made of very lightweight steel tubing with parallel sides, saw the production of 25,000 experimental Mk II scabbards by the Franco-British Electrical Company, Tempel Park, Hurley, according to Skennerton.
*Condition*
This spike bayonet is in excellent condition, retaining much of the original blueing with no pitting. The unusual scabbard is in great condition with clear marks and a tight fit. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMBOXCE_2164140687
