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Hi I have acquired two British bayonets for the L1A1, both are the un-modified type (no recess for the short catch).
Neither bayonet has the correct (long) type catch.
Anyone know where I can get two of these catches, and screws. I believe both the Australian and Canadian bayonets were never modified.
I have just found a few “as new” elevating screws for the S.U.I.T. sight if anyone is after one?
Thanks
Andy
Skiprat, what markings are shown on the bayonets you have? are you able to give a detailed list of them or provide photo's of the catch areas?
There was always a bit of controversy about modifying the bayonets. Most thought that it was a waste of time as we'd had SMLE bayonets for 50 years and No5 bayonets that all had lohgish catches. Indeed, the No5 bayonet outlived the SLR bayonet - unmodified!
In Malaya when we had pooled NZ, Aust and Pom Ordnance stockpiles, the poms modified all the Australian/NZ stocks of bayonets so that when they went back to Oz/NZ, we had a mixed fleet of bayonets but only LONG catches!
Modification and upgrading was a needless exercise
It'd be simplicity itself to braze a piece on to a short catch and make good Skippy
Elevating screws for the SUIT - surely it was a little lever that tipped it over from 3 to 5 wasn't it? or do you mean the SUSAT?
If anyone needs any SUSAT sight spares, just ask and I'll see if I can help
The left bayonet is a complete, modified one (short catch with recess in the pommel)
The middle one is un modified and has an Enfield stamped blade, dated 59 also with the broad arrow. (fitted with a broken un-modified catch)
The pommel is also stamped with an arrow and the Enfield E (over stamped) D.
The right bayonet is again un modified, it is stamped the same as the other one but is dated 58.
The screws are for the SUIT sight they are the front zeroing screw (elevation/depression)
Ah, yes..... got it now! If you need bog standard pommie L1A3/4 bayonet parts I'll see what is in the stockroom.
Loose cross-pieces and pommels were always a bit of a problem so whenever we had cause to take the grips off, we'd weld the X-piece or pommel in place. Too much heat and it'd upset the toughness of the blade and they'd bend easily at the weld or just snap!
The later quality went downhill.