BRITISH NO 9 PATTERN BAYONET
The British No.9 Mk1 socket bayonet was the result of a post-war desire to replace the unpopular No.4 spike bayonet. Initially, the innovative No.7 Mk1 Land Service bayonet was intended as the replacement, but due to safety concerns, the War Department decided not to issue the No.7 Mk.1/L bayonet with the Lee-Enfield No.4 rifle (it was only issued for service with the Sten Mk.V Submachine gun) so the No.9 was designed. In effect, it was the No.4 socket married to the clip point Bowie blade of the No.5 bayonet. This also meant that the No.5 scabbard could be used with the No.9 Mk.1 bayonet. Production commenced in 1947.
This example is a British issued bayonet and is dated 52. No maker marks which was common for Enfield made bayonets. Comes with its issue Green webbing frog which is also broad arrow marked.