GUNSHOW FINDS: No 7 Mk 1/1 , K98,P30 entrenching tool

[tankhunter]

I am reasonably aware of the current prices so if I can I aquire them at a fair price I do so. Any ideas about the 21 painted on the but? Opps ,just realized no picture of the 21 it is hand painted on the swiveling No 4 attachment portion in white paint.

It is common pratice in the British Forces. For the Armoury Storeman to paint 'Butt Numbers' on smallarms held in thier Armouries. Less common, but I suggest that the same practice was used on Bayonets by SOME Arms Storemen. The Reason is very simple really. When issuing out weapons rapidly, it would be VERY time consuming to write down the serial Numbers of every single weapon on the issue sheets.
He will have a a pre printed out/Hand Written pad of sheets with every single weapon held on his charge in the armoury. Along side all this info will be a 'Butt Number' allocated to each serially numbered weapon.
To that end it is VERY simple for him to check down the list to a butt number & get the guy who it is issued to to sign the sheet in the last box on the list with his signiture. This then ensured that there was 'Evidence' of the weapon taken off the charge of the Arms Storeman. & responsibility for safe keeping passed over the the issue-ee.

As a bonus, if there were any damage caused & not reported as it may have been through negligent or carless handling. The Armourer could check the issue sheet & track who was the last person to have had the weapon in thier Charge. a very easy way to point the finger at susspicion evidencialy at the Poor sap who had the misfortune to hand a weapon back in without reporting the defect/damage caused!
Consequently, he would be pulled, questioned & more than liikely charged with the 'Offence'. To recoup some of the cost to the taxpayer!

The EASY way to avoid this 'Difficulty'. Was to report the Armourer. Be HONEST about what had transpired. And most decent Armourers would 'sort' the problem & would be in the most agreeable position of having a case of Beer provided free of charge! I am absolutely SURE Peter, Skippy, & other Brother Armourers like myself. Have been in this 'Fortunate' situation, MANY times indeed!..........