Looking for opinions on a No4 Mk1 Bayonet

[IanS]

I hope I've posted this thread in the right area.

I am considering purchasing a No4 Mk1 bayonet (cruciform). The one I’m looking at is giving me doubts as to its authenticity, it’s the bayonet’s tip that concerns me, it seems to have a much longer taper than others I’ve seen. The other No4 Mk1 bayonets that I have looked at have the “fluting” (hoping that’s the right term) continue almost to the tip. I thought perhaps it was a No4 Mk2 used to create a counterfeit yet the markings look original. These photos are the best that I have available. Here’s hoping it is genuine but I will definitely need some expert opinion.
Thanks, Ian.

Information

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[Bindi2]

Buy it and send to me.

[IanS]

Buy it and send to me.

Hi Bindi2, sounds like it's genuine then.

[Strangely Brown]

Ian, it looks correct to me!
Mine was purchased long before the fakes started doing the rounds so it's a good example for comparison.
If you have a MkII to compare it with I have found Mk1 spikes tend to be slightly longer than MkII's.
The spike on my Mk1 is exactly 209mm long if you need a measurement to compare. This was measured from the front of the lower socket.

The stamping and font look correct as well, something the fakes usually lack.

[Bindi2]

That tip is how you tell the fakes.

[IanS]

Hi Mick,

I appreciate your comments and the detailed measurement. I can't inspect this bayonet as it's in mainland Europe, I could ask the seller to measure it of course. I'll wait to see what other comments there are first.

Ian

[Bindi2]

Just buy it before it disappears.

[CINDERS]

From Skennertons Commonwealth Bayonets Pgs 215-217,
The Mk1 designation B266 were manufactured in 1939 of which 75,000 examples were made the blade length was 8 inches (203mm) I measured my MkI from the front of the socket to the end of the blade it was exactly 8".

The point of this one the OP's possible purchase, it's as if someone (Soldier!) has decided to make a sharper point, my point on my MKI is somewhat rounder with the flutes ending 5mm from the tip mine also bears 77 on the off side to manufacturers stampings.

Apart from the obvious this looks to be ridgey didge unit though has been bubba'ed so should be able to knock it down a tad but grab it before it flees the scene....
Does it come with a No.4 MkI scabbard as thats what came with mine.
One just sold on AU fleabay for $268/Au this week there is another on there at present with 2 days 20 hrs to go its at $130.50 BRITISH NUMBER 4 MK 1 CRUCIFORM BAYONET | eBay

[IanS]

Hi Bindi2, it's advertised at US$185.00 without a scabbard and has been available for several weeks.
Hi Cinders, thanks for your input. I felt it was genuine but the point made me wary. Shame these items don't ship to UK from some countries, I would have had one complete with scabbard and frog by now! Thanks to all for being so helpful.

Happy New Year to all,
Ian.

[browningautorifle]

I had one many years before anyone thought of faking, it only cost me $40 CDN and that was steep as standard were about $10 CDN. I think that one's good. Marks and tip, flutes and all...