I understand that the No 7 bayonet was originally designed for the Sten Mk V, but was it made in quantity and was it ever general issue to the squadies for their No 4 rifles.
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I understand that the No 7 bayonet was originally designed for the Sten Mk V, but was it made in quantity and was it ever general issue to the squadies for their No 4 rifles.
Mostly used for ceremonial use by folks like the Guards. (Looks much better than that nasty old spike on parade;)
Also some were modified for the EM2 protptype which never went into production.
Newsreel footage in the Gloucesters Regimental Museum show them embarking for Korea with spikes and parading after their tour with the No7; I believe the Paras and the Guards were the main units issued with them as John says.
That's correct Arthur. The giveaway is the VAOS the Army Ordnance Stores) number prefix of B3-CRxxxx. B3 is sub machine carbines, guns and accessories. The No7 bayonet cost more to produce than the Mk2 Sten gun. The No7 bayonet cost £3-6 shillings (£3.30p) and a Mk5 Sten gun cost £5-16 shillings. Not a lot of people know that!
In truth, they were absolute rubbish. One of the old Armourers at our big base workshop here told me recently that because the blade was rivetted to the central axis part by two(?) rivets, and rivetted on a radius at that....., he never found one that was tight or didn't wobble.
Apparently only 100,000 manufactured so they are on the 'rare side' compared to other variations.
Duke of Wellington's Regt, having just come in from a patrol in Korea, with a No.7 Bayonet visible.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...standard-2.jpg
This was a remarkable series of photos taken after a spectacular night fighting patrol. I spoke to the National Service Lieutenant, Lt Harms, the i/c of the patrol about 20 years ago. One of the photos is in the Sten book (Collector Grade). Fighting patrols were usually carried out by large numbers but this was about 4 sections strength. They took some prisoners and were ambushed on their way back but fought their way out then re-ambushed another Chinese patrol regular Army patrol that had gone to chase them. They inflicted major casualties and had to battle their way again but a patrol of the Royal Fusiliers (?) heard what was going on. The Fusiliers were all (?)armed with Brens and diverted over to what was going on. And between them they made a meal of what was left of the original Chinese and follow-up patrol. They kept the prisoners too! A remarkable set of blokes.................
Not quite Lee Enfield but sort of...................
You are right Peter, "not quite Lee Enfield but sort of....."
Perhaps we should consider changing this forum's title to be a little more inclusive :dunno:
I guess the first question is "Should the forum title be changed?"
If so, "what should it be called"
We already have a separate Martini Henry Forum so don't want to infringe on that,
Any thoughts?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amatikulu
"Enfield Rifles & Associated Paraphernalia" ?
20th century...., no not quite , Uhhhhhh. Dang,... Enfield weapons forum? Foo...
I believe that the bloke walking up the road in the photo was one of the platoon Corporals at the time, Later Sergeant 'Doc' Holliday. In fact the same regiment is now the demonstration battalion at Warminster
On the No7 bayonet theme and their relative scarcity, does anyone know offhand whether they are as valuable as genuine cruciform Mk1 bayonets. And what are they worth. We used to have some idea of prices but 'that' auction site and the nanny state here won't let us advertise/show them. Is there no relief for the mothers son
Peter - Round-about £100 (thats what I was prepared to pay for mine) but as with all things, its the value placed on it by both the seller and the buyer that will determine market price.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
Thanks very much for the info fellas.
As to the name of this forum, why not .303 and related?
As to costs, I paid 150 Euro :banghead: in 2004 for a cruciform in France, only to see AIM surplus bring in hundreds for $65. USD a year later. Ouch! I kept the price tag...
I found a shealthless No. 7 in Birmingham, (Al, USA) for $60.00 and a No.9 with sheath on fleapay for $12.00. The fellow couldn't spell bayonet. :lol:
I mated the two, and have another scabbardless No.9.
The average price I see for No. 7's is between $150 and 200 USD.
Interesting thread.
I put a totally stripped EM 2 version in the post and it never turned up. So here I am with the remainder of the bits but no blade/crosspiece and rivetted 'grip' part. So if you ever see a bare EM2 blade part............
Poor buggers look like they need some kip. Great photo and story fellas. :thup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Mk VII