Enfield number 5 Mk 1 Bayonet help

I know exactly what you're saying about a refurb Aragorn but if it was a generally good condition as recently released bayonet, then I'd leave it too. But there's no shortage of old well used and worn rusty, badly painted ex Indian or any No5 bayonets. What there's not a lot of is still-in-XG297 grease as new Ordnance issued bayonets. Just my take on things

As a matter of interest, just to keep the thread of an interesting type of bayonet running a bit longer, anyone got any other opinions on the subject...........

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

As a matter of interest, just to keep the thread of an interesting type of bayonet running a bit longer, anyone got any other opinions on the subject...........

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I have an opinion. Darn things are too expensive and both my No 5's look naked without them. I am working on a rationalization to pay the piper for at least one.

The price of Proper No5 bayonets is going through the roof. The same thing has happened with the No7 bayonet and SLR bayonets. To a lesser degree with British made No9 bayonets. I have been in the habit over the last few years of buying "mint" No9 bayonets just to get good condition No5 scabbards. Been laying in a few bayonet frogs as well.

I think if you want a particular bayonet, buy a good condition one, so that it can be sold on if required. Pay the current high price for a good British No5 bayonet. Yes they are too expensive but they will only get more expensive. I doubt the MOD will realease any more.

In the time I have been collecting bayonets. I have seen the No9 go from £5 to £35, The SLR from £7.50 to £45+. The No7 from £80 to £120+
One of the best methods to get good, rare and cheap(ish) bayonets is to ask around your local builders. You will be surprised what they throw away when they clear houses out!

Another tip. Some mint AK47, AKM and AK74 bayonets have come onto the open market. brand new, some are matching number. Going rate is £15 to £25 each. Could be worth buying a few in just to build a cheap AK series bayonet collection for less than £100. Plus they make a good field knife!
Hope the above is of interest. Kind regards, Lester

Horses mouth says that the MoD won't be releasing any more No5 bayonets, ever - because they ain't got none left nor L1's!

Many thanks Peter. If any are found in a dark corner of the stores, please don't chop them up!

Anyone remember the militaria shop 'Blunderbuss Antiques' in the West End of London? I got my No.7 there in the mid-1990s as a trade for 2 AK-47 bayonets.

No doubt the proprietor is still kicking himself. ;)

Now, that was a good deal!

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Originally Posted by peregrinvs

Anyone remember the militaria shop 'Blunderbuss Antiques' in the West End of London? I got my No.7 there in the mid-1990s as a trade for 2 AK-47 bayonets.

No doubt the proprietor is still kicking himself. ;)

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The Proprietor is now dead!.........His son chris has contiued the bussines, albeit from a home location now. The shop premises is closed. I see him occasionaly the Chatham Militaria fair.

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Originally Posted by tankhunter

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The Proprietor is now dead!.........His son chris has contiued the bussines, albeit from a home location now. The shop premises is closed. I see him occasionaly the Chatham Militaria fair.

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That's a shame. I knew the business had gone virtual, but I didn't know the owner had shuffled off this mortal coil. I had some nice bits there over the years including an unissued 1940 dated Lee-Enfield sling and a mint Indian No1 MkII* bayonet. Sadly London is now a bit of a desert for militaria.

Back on the subject of No.5's, I got my one for IIRC £37 at the first Beltring I attended in 2000. Even then that wasn't a bad price, neither were they getting any more common and I was pleased to find it.

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Originally Posted by peregrinvs

That's a shame. I knew the business had gone virtual, but I didn't know the owner had shuffled off this mortal coil. I had some nice bits there over the years including an unissued 1940 dated Lee-Enfield sling and a mint Indian No1 MkII* bayonet. Sadly London is now a bit of a desert for militaria.

Back on the subject of No.5's, I got my one for IIRC £37 at the first Beltring I attended in 2000. Even then that wasn't a bad price, neither were they getting any more common and I was pleased to find it.

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I dont know about london being a bit of a 'Desert, for Militaria. There ARE however, PLENTY of Sharks there ready to bite your hand off for your money!!!.....
Yep, Tom Greenaway was a bit of a character back in the day! I fondly remember buying a 37mm German PAK 35/36 Anti-Tank Gun from him, & towing it home behind my Car!..................Happy Days!.....;)