Quote Originally Posted by Aragorn243 View Post
Not a coincidence at all. The codes were assigned,
I would beg to differ. I am fully aware of how the dispersal code system operated and how the codes were assigned which, incidentally, was introduced during WW2 and intended to disguise the maker and help protect the factory from bombing.

The source of the (possible) "dispersal code" on No9 bayonets originally only came from one person, Mr Graham Priest, and so I thought that I would ask him what he thought on the matter, after making him aware of this thread. This is what Graham said which he kindly gave me permission to reproduce here and I quote:

"As you know I am the source of the 'dispersal code' ID on No.9s. Pre 2003 I could find the No.9 drawings from Enfield, descriptions from Poole (plus markings) but nothing on bayonet making at Maltby. Not having access to many rifles I had not associated the 'M' with them. Nothing has turned up, especially as many museums were closed. (I have not been to the Weapons Collection for two years!) If I am incorrect I will have to eat humble pie as numerous collectors are chasing the variants."