No 5 Bayonet with added knuckle guard

[pedro243]

Hi all,

I have been given first dibs on purchasing some bayonets from a collection. There are many i am interested in but i was wondering anyone could give me any extra information on a No5 Bayonet with a removable wire knuckle guard like in this picture.



The bayonet is still complete unlike the one pictured. Does anyone have any information in these bayonets and if it was an original issued accessories?

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.

[Strangely Brown]

I have seen one before at an arms fair, (possibly Birmingham or Bisley?) and from memory this was a mod done out of service rather than an "in service" alteration.
The one I saw didn't have a scabbard and I would very much doubt the issue metal No.5 scabbard would close properly with the knuckle duster attachment fitted.
Interesting all the same.

[Bindi2]

There are more than a few in Aussie and that one is the first I have seen with a cut cross guard or without a scabbard.

[browningautorifle]

We've had this same discussion here in past, the wire you see installed wouldn't fare well during a punch and would likely just spring out and be gone. This isn't anything the military would have used, the troops would have started by punching inanimate objects and found out it's weaknesses. These are cobbled up for the imaginative collector. You're still getting a complete bayonet though so that's a good buy.

[Melanie_Daniels]

Skennerton/Richardson - British & Commonwealth Bayonets - Page 239/240:

You can find one of this parts in the collection of the Imperial War Museum and all about them is uncertain.

[pedro243]

Skennerton/Richardson - British & Commonwealth Bayonets - Page 239/240:

You can find one of this parts in the collection of the Imperial War Museum and all about them is uncertain.

I am still to find a copy of that book at an affordable price, could you possibly send me a picture of those pages in question?

[Flying10uk]

The bayonet pictured in post 1 does look remarkably similar to one that I purchased several years ago. The makeshift "hand-guard" didn't stay long on it after I got it.

I would suggest making sure that they bayonet is complete and muzzle ring is intact before parting with your cash, unless the bayonet in question is cheap. I, personally, wouldn't pay extra for a bent bit of old steel rod.

[pedro243]

Yes the bayonet I have been looking at is complete. I think it's a WSC bayonet. Complete with lock, muzzle ring and metal scabbard.

[Bindi2]

The bayonet pictured in post 1 does look remarkably similar to one that I purchased several years ago. The makeshift "hand-guard" didn't stay long on it after I got it.

I would suggest making sure that they bayonet is complete and muzzle ring is intact before parting with your cash, unless the bayonet in question is cheap. I, personally, wouldn't pay extra for a bent bit of old steel rod.

Spring steel used in the ones I have handled

[Flying10uk]

My advice is to just buy it as an ordinary No5 bayonet and don't pay extra for the bent bit of metal bar. Once you have it, it is up to you if you remove the metal bar/knuckle guard.