Genuine MkII Sten Gun Bayonets (?)

[Aragorn243]

Here it is. Broad arrow did not show in the photos It's down low near the spike on the same side as all the other markings.

[Peter Laidler]

I know it's getting into the realms of a true anorak wearing train-spotter here chaps but.......... Could it be that the stamped letter, be it an I or an L is an indicator of the hardness start point. I say this having looked at Aragorns pictures and the relative position of the letter (last photo, letter I). Surely the commencement of a taper here is of no real interest to anyone - even the unlucky recipient of the sharp end........ BUT the start of the hardening certainly IS important because what's the point of hardening it further back if you're going to arc weld it in place to a mild steel thin walled tube?

[Aragorn243]

I compared the spike with a standard enfield spike bayonet to see if there was anything special about the placement of the "1". Doesn't appear to be anything special about that spot. Perhaps it is just a makers mark. Length of the spikes are not exactly the same but it's only about a 16th of an inch (1 or 2 millimeters) and could just be a production difference. Overall length of the spike of the sten taking into consideration it's full length where welded to the tube is much longer. I also see no coloration differences around the "1" indicating any different treatment of the metal there but just might not be visible.

[Peter Laidler]

The plot thickens........ Anyone notice yet ANOTHER little letter L on Aragorns bayonet (above, penultimate photo, centre of socket below spring thinggy). Ok.......... it's Sunday morning and I really should be having a lay-in........

[Vincent]

The plot thickens........ Anyone notice yet ANOTHER little letter L on Aragorns bayonet (above, penultimate photo, centre of socket below spring thinggy). Ok.......... it's Sunday morning and I really should be having a lay-in........

I noticed it. It was done after the phosphate finish was applied from the look of it. So, maybe an inspector’s mark?

[Aragorn243]

That is the L that differentiates the three types they are selling. L, Z and E. E being most common, L in the middle and Z the least common. They don't know what they mean either and only base rarity on how many of each they have.

[Aragorn243]

I can't really tell for sure but it appears that the L has the phosphate finish inside. It is a very deep stamp and the area around it lifted and was worn down. Whether deliberate to smooth it or accidental hard to tell but to me looks like it was purposely done. Spike fits perfectly in a standard scabbard by the way.

[Flying10uk]

It has been suggested by others that the significance of the "1" stamped on the Sten blade as well as, possibly, marking the start of the taper is to indicate that it is a Mark 1 blade for the Sten bayonet. This is true with the Sten bayonet being the MK1 bayonet for the Sten but, obviously, not the case with the No4 mk3 bayonet when the blade fitted is a blade specifically manufactured for the No4 mk3. Of course when a surplus Sten blade was used on the No4 mk3 it will already have the "1" stamped on the blade. I wonder if the blades were hardened and tempered after being welded to the tube with the spring catch fitted after the heat treatment of the blade??? It wouldn't be good practice to weld the blade after heat treatment.

Graham Priest does mention in his book that there was evidence to suggest that at least some Sten bayonets may have been acquired/found their way to Canada at some point during or after WW2. Perhaps these are the ones now for sale in the U.S.???

[Peter Laidler]

Generally speaking with accessories - or accoutriments as they call them in relation to small arms, they tend NOT to designate something as the Mk1 something or another until there is a Mk2 variant.

[tankhunter]

Generally speaking with accessories - or accoutriments as they call them in relation to small arms, they tend NOT to designate something as the Mk1 something or another until there is a Mk2 variant.

Hey Pete! Do you recall another of the Early used terms for accessories, was 'Appurtences'!....(Probably not the correct spelling, but you will know the word im sure!)