No.5 Bayonet.

[Time Bandit]

Has anyone got, or even seen, a No.5 bayonet by Elkington & Co., coded M/78. If they have can they post some pics of the markings for me or just let me know how Elkington marked them. Did they mark them on the ricasso with their M/78 code like on their No.7 bayonets or did they leave the ricasso blank and mark them elsewhere, like the pommel etc??
Due to their scarcity they're a bit of a bugger to find any info on...

Many Thanks

Mike

Information

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[Aragorn243]

I have one. It has two markings. 1/78 on the top of the pommel, near the wood. Broad arrow on the rear of the pommel.

[Time Bandit]

I have one. It has two markings. 1/78 on the top of the pommel, near the wood. Broad arrow on the rear of the pommel.

Excellent, that's pretty much what I wanted to hear! I found one for sale and the only markings on it as far as I could see were the M/78 and broad arrow on the pommel which ties in with what you have said. I wasn't sure if it should of also had one one the ricasso also. I should have it in hand in the next week and so I can have a better look at it.

[Aragorn243]

Thought I posted photos on here and I did.

Enfield number 5 Mk 1 Bayonet help

Mine is pretty worn.

[Time Bandit]

I've read that thread before - can't of noticed (or remembered more like) yours.

Mine arrived today, looks better in real life that the pics did so I'm happy enough. It's seen some use but overall it's not to bad, most of the finish has gone (in fact virtually all of it) but it kinda suits it if that makes sense, grips are ok. The only downside would be someone has tried to sharpen the blade but fortunately it looks like they gave up before causing any real damage, a bit scratched on one side but I've seen much worse.
I think when it comes to something like an M/78 condition kinda takes second place to actually finding one - if it had been a Poole or WSC No.5 then maybe the temptation would be just wait until a better one comes along but with an Elkington one who knows when the next one will actually turn up, months or maybe even years? This is the first one I've personally seen for sale in at least 10 years. It was a lucky buy really, it's been sitting on a dealers site for best part of a year I'd say, I nearly bought it when it first appeared but a nice S84/98 tempted me away from it and then another, and another and so I didn't ever get to buy it and I then forgot all about it (presumed someone else would of snapped it up) and then just over a week ago I happened to notice it was still there, albeit several pages back now, I couldn't believe it to be honest, such a rare bayonet maker I really thought it would be long gone, especially at the price it was, cheaper than a 'normal' WSC or Poole No.5! This time I wasn't letting it go and snapped it up! I'm well pleased I've got to admit.

I'll get some pics at the weekend and stick 'em up.