Sterling bayonet

[porterkids]

I had hope to get some photos up last night but couldn't get to it. Too busy shoveling snow. Got another 14" last night and unfortunately for me, I remove it the old fashioned way.

I have a meeting tonight but I'll get some photos posted ion the next few days.

[bayonet]

If you are looking for a L1A1 they are always on sale at ebay can be had cheap don't buy the first one you see can be gotten for under 40.00

[porterkids]

If you are looking for a L1A1 they are always on sale at ebay can be had cheap don't buy the first one you see can be gotten for under 40.00

I would very happily buy L1A1s at $40. I think the bayonets you're seeing on ebay are most likely Australian L1A2s.

[old-smithy]

Basically the same blade but if anything better made

[Peter Laidler]

Did we ever get to the bottom of the plastic grips for the Sterling bayonets? I know that during the mid 60's there was some discussion and even trials of sorts, to manufacture the SLR/L1A1 handguards from the sam PAXOLIN material that was used to make the No7 grips.

[tankhunter]

Did we ever get to the bottom of the plastic grips for the Sterling bayonets? I know that during the mid 60's there was some discussion and even trials of sorts, to manufacture the SLR/L1A1 handguards from the sam PAXOLIN material that was used to make the No7 grips.

Pete, The short Answer to that one is, No. We didnt!.....................

[porterkids]

OK, it's taken much longer than I expected but I finally dug out my two plastic gripped Sterlings and photographed them. My understanding was that these were commercial pieces. One has the "STERLING" etching on the blade but other than that the two pieces are void of any markings. I have not removed the grips from the one with screw bolts and slotted nuts.

[old-smithy]

Seeing yours Bill. I realised mine ahs the same grips, so thats 3 or is it 4 known

[browningautorifle]

Very interesting. Thanks for the pics finally.

[tankhunter]

Good Pics, thanks for sharing. Yes, the grips i obtained are identical, but mint unused. Peter has confirmed via David Halroyd (Sterling Owner/Director) that Sterling did NOT use plastic.
Dont forget that the grip scales on NORMAL number 5 Bayonets were attched with twin screws & nuts. Thus ensuring that replacment grips of ANY type that fitted. COULD be fitted!
VERY Interesting to see the variant where ther grips are RIVETED in place. to MY mind, that would indicate the point of origin of these grips. If they were Riveted, they were done at the Factory of manufacture. And Not intended to be removed. If you can id the Bayonet variant with these riveted grips, we can id the point of origin & who made these N0.5's......