Questings on the British No 7 Bayonet

[Aragorn243]

Read through several of the old posts and not really getting any clarity on this bayonet.

Originally made as a replacement for the No 4 spike bayonet, they were never adopted for the No 4 rifle. Reasons: Expensive to make, hard to maintain, bullets hitting the muzzle ring. First two seem pretty consistent but the third is the one that seems to be the primary reason although others say it isn't possible.

Used on the Sten but I can't find a single photo of one actually on a Sten. Very common reference however. Actually did find a photo of one mounted on a Sten in my one book. Not in use however, just a photo of the rifle with bayonet.

Used for ceremonial purposes, this is confirmed but if just ceremonial, how did most of them all get in well used condition.

Photos exist of use in Korea with one showing a man in possession a No 7 bayonet

Current interest is I just bought my second one today. Can't determine manufacturer as markings don't match anything I can find. Is stamped IO in two locations. The first on the base of the blade, the second on the hilt above the sliding mechanism. Also what could be a small P and 9 on the cross guard. It is not one of the rare Wilkenson's I know that for sure. Has paint I'd rather not remove where arsenal marks are known for BSA and Elkington. Trying to describe it accurately on my page and not sure what I should be going with.

[Aragorn243]

I decided to remove a little paint and found a broad arrow over P on the pivoting portion of the handle. Assuming this is a Poole produced bayonet but it is NOT in a circle which seems odd. Still finding nothing on the IO mark or possibly OI depending which way it was stamped. Broad arrow is lightly struck and the P is not complete although most of it is deeply struck. No indication there is any part of a circle around it. Same with the small P on the cross guard.

[CINDERS]

Went through Ians new book and also his Commonwealth Bayonets and drew a blank also might be like the question mark in a circle on my 1916 Lithgow No1 MkIII Ian S could not give me an answer on that so it may remain a mystery Aragorn.

[Aragorn243]

Here's some photos. I did not take a photo of the broad arrow and P but the two IO's are shown. The P over the 9 is in the third photo.

[CINDERS]

I have a black scaled one, it has a broard arrow and 2 o's O/|\O with the o's underneath the arrow, whilst the L is not as defined on mine only 2 little marks where yours is located.