I've handled and collected quite a number of No. 5 bayonets, and have never seen a manufacture marked crossguard, except for one Wilkinson with a very distinct superimposed 'E' and 'D' stamp. Perhaps Enfield supplied Wilkinson with some crossguards? Thanks for any imput, Don.
The bayonet factory at RSAF Enfield Lock is very small ( and is now apartments). Best guess would be Poole Ordenence Factory. Hopkinsons also made a lot of bayonet parts on sub contract. A lot of No4 and 5 rifles were made in the Midlands. ED is not always Enfield made at Enfield. Might just be an inspection stamp. Later on in the 50's RSAF Fazakerly made the Sterling SMG for the British Army. BSA made some of the SLR bayonets. All points towards the midlands me thinks.
Kind regards, Lester
Crosspieces and pommels were known to us as 'welded or fixed detail' and never issued or available as spare parts. We did encounter bent and broken crosspieces but they were pretty temperamental......... Unless the crosspiece was heated to cherry red before you straightened it, you could be sure that tweaking it back would break it. If it broke at one point, then it could be mig welded but it was hardly worth the bother. Later L1A3 and 4 bayonets had a reinforced crosspiece as I seem to remember
There are different types of cross pieces in L1a3 bayonets, hex or streight. I have a 1986 made L1a4 (AM86 stamp) bayonet which seems to have a stronger blade. Probably one of the last SLR bayonets made.
Thank you for the tip on broken cross guards, this may explain why some people attempt to sell SLR bayonets as "fighting knives".
Kind regards, Lester
Like I said, the crosspiece can be straightened and dollied back to shape but unless it's brought up to cherry red+, then it'll break away.
Amy chance of a photo of the ' AM86 ' markings and any other markings on this very late L1A4 bayonet?Quote:
Originally Posted by LesterH
Another version of bayonet for me to try and find. :sos:
Very sorry cannot post a photograph. Stampings on metal grios= L1A4 9600259 AM86. Stamping on pommel AM over [C] . Blade is AM86. Crossguard is also AM over [C]. Full length fuller in blade. You can't see through the rivets securing the hand grips. Looks very similar to an L1A3 bayonet. This is the only LiA4 bayonet I have seen so I bought it quick for £35.00!
Bayonet blade is stronger made than a L1A3 or No5,7 or 9 bayonet. Shorter dropped point.
Kind regards, Lester
---------- Post added at 12:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:56 PM ----------
Very sorry cannot post a photograph. Stampings on metal grios= L1A4 9600259 AM86. Stamping on pommel AM over [C] . Blade is AM86. Crossguard is also AM over [C]. Full length fuller in blade. You can't see through the rivets securing the hand grips. Looks very similar to an L1A3 bayonet. This is the only LiA4 bayonet I have seen so I bought it quick for £35.00!
Bayonet blade is stronger made than a L1A3 or No5,7 or 9 bayonet. Shorter dropped point.
Kind regards, Lester
What do you mean by not being able to see through the grip rivets? Do you mean that they are solid rivets or that the rivet fills the hole or recess in the steel grip?
The difference between the L1A1 and 2 and L1A3 and 4 (apart from the obvious recessed catch part) has been described here in detail but it was simply a flexible allowance in order for outside contractors to manufacture the bayonet while making the best use of their commercial facilities
Here's the simple and correct reason for the differences between the various marks of L1A1, L1A2, L1A3, L1A4 Bayonets.
L1A1 Single Cut edge.
L1A2 Double Cut edge.
L1A3 (Recessed Catch) Single Cut Edge
L1A4 (Recessed Catch) Double Cut Edge
It has nothing to do with rivets, brazing, cast parts, straight sided crossguards etc as stated incorrectly in various publications over the years, they are all just manufacturing alternatives.
I agree with Para 4, but explain single and double cut edge.................. and I'll explain why I might eventually disagree with paras 2 and 3