X8 Trials rifle Bayonet

[Lee Enfield]

Attachment 112001

BRITISH Trials X2E1 Type A FN F.A.L. Experimental Bayonet & X1E1 Scabbard
Manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium c.1954-55

The Wooden Grip versions of the F.A.L. Bayonet was designated for use in British Trials, Canadian Trials and Australian Trials - Designated as Type A. The other variations to this bayonet hold differing grips and other aspects to the prongs that differ - These examples were Type B and Type C. The wood grip designated version was not a commercial or re-branded bayonet and it is should be noted that all wood grip F.A.L. Bayonets were intended and supplied as part of contracts to England, Canada and Australia.

It is worth while noting that while a majority of X2E1 Bayonets trialed by Britain, Australia and Canada hold some form of the X2E1 markings and / or serial numbers, there are also examples for Australia and Britain where the Trials X2E1 bayonet held no identifying marks.

"X" - Prefix in Weapons nomenclature
"E" - Series of Subsequent Changes
These were ONLY applied to TRAILS or Prototypes

There were two tips as noted with the first example, these were modified as a result of damage. Both the long and short tip X2E1 bayonets were part of the trials.

I had heard that after the trials, the X2E1 was unsuccessful with the vast majority of the Type A bayonets having the blades broken, sold to a scrap yard with examples now out in the market with the blades welded back. Important to look for signature signs of this occurring.

While the X2E1 and Canadian Ex1 bayos are similar if not identical, there is a subtle difference in the shape of the latch.

If a bayonet is marked X2E1 it is NOT Canadian...

Canadian bayonets were un marked (except with standard FN inspectors markings) and only marked with the rifle serial number - usually at unit level.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[bayo_madness]

While the X2E1 and Canadian Ex1 bayos are similar if not identical, there is a subtle difference in the shape of the latch.

If a bayonet is marked X2E1 it is NOT Canadian...

Canadian bayonets were un marked (except with standard FN inspectors markings) and only marked with the rifle serial number - usually at unit level.

Attachment 112052
Attachment 112053

Always great to hear differing views and information

Attached is a what I believe is a Canadian version of the Type A FAL. It holds the X2E1 prefix along with the scribed electric pencil serial number on the pommel.

If the information I hold is correct the following apply.

Canadian Ordred F.A.L. 2,000 qty Rifles.
Most X2E1 Bayonets were numbered on the Pommel 1-2000.
Serial Numbers is a four digit, either stamped or scribed electric pencil.
Some X2E1 Bayonets do not hold the Serial Numbers.
Most, but not all scabbards were marked X1E1 on the top scabbard at the throat.
As per the Canadian Army EME Manual Small Arms C 803 Instr 4 dated 14 December 1954.

Always open to correcting this as the X2E1 is a bayonet Im keen to know more about.

Cheers,
Dane

[Lee Enfield]

Attachment 112052
Attachment 112053

Always great to hear differing views and information

Attached is a what I believe is a Canadian version of the Type A FAL. It holds the X2E1 prefix along with the scribed electric pencil serial number on the pommel.

If the information I hold is correct the following apply.

Canadian Ordred F.A.L. 2,000 qty Rifles.
Most X2E1 Bayonets were numbered on the Pommel 1-2000.
Serial Numbers is a four digit, either stamped or scribed electric pencil.
Some X2E1 Bayonets do not hold the Serial Numbers.
Most, but not all scabbards were marked X1E1 on the top scabbard at the throat.
As per the Canadian Army EME Manual Small Arms C 803 Instr 4 dated 14 December 1954.

Always open to correcting this as the X2E1 is a bayonet Im keen to know more about.

Cheers,
Dane

Your X2E1 bayonet is serial numbered 11877, well above any Canadian rifle.

I could only speculate on the e-penned number - but it definitely isn't Canadian.

given a reminder or 2 I will dig out a couple Canadian and Brit bayonets - and maybe both of my "type 2" (T-48) bayos

[bayo_madness]

Your X2E1 bayonet is serial numbered 11877, well above any Canadian rifle.

I could only speculate on the e-penned number - but it definitely isn't Canadian.

given a reminder or 2 I will dig out a couple Canadian and Brit bayonets - and maybe both of my "type 2" (T-48) bayos

I had thought the numerals along side the X2 E1 stamp related to the original Canadian Defense order from the Brits.

This will be good to further investigate as reference material I hold indicates the the Canadian Serial numbers where placed on the pommel with the example I have shown appearing to hold a correct serial number range in the electric stencil format.

I have few other X2 E1 examples as well and will pull them out to cross check ... One other Canadian (or so I believe), a British and unconfirmed (partly confirmed without evidence) Australian example.

Cheers,
Dane

[Lee Enfield]

I had thought the numerals along side the X2 E1 stamp related to the original Canadian Defense order from the Brits.

This will be good to further investigate as reference material I hold indicates the the Canadian Serial numbers where placed on the pommel with the example I have shown appearing to hold a correct serial number range in the electric stencil format.

I have few other X2 E1 examples as well and will pull them out to cross check ... One other Canadian (or so I believe), a British and unconfirmed (partly confirmed without evidence) Australian example.

Cheers,
Dane

Canada did not order anything from the Brits.

Canada ordered the 2000 Ex1 & Ex2 rifles from FN in June/July 1953 well before the UK and USA ordered their Trials Rifles in Dec 1953.

The Ex1 & X2E1 bayonets were manufactured by FN in Belgium.

This is why the commercial FAL was termed FAL - Canada until the German G1 sight and gas block redesign c.1958.