With RTI finding and then selling off a bunch of No.5 bayonets it sparked my hunt for a few missing pieces in my collection. Unfortunately, RTI's bayonets all seem to be of WSC manufacture which is sad for the collector as they are the most prevalent. Hopefully, though it will spark some new interest in finding the rarer examples for other collectors. I have seen a few single screw WSC examples in my many years but with their cost and possible questionable originality, I have passed on all.
In review the published numbers:
Wilkerson, WSC or S294 188,000
Radcliffe, N187 75,000
Viners Ltd, VNS or N79 42,000
Elkington, M78 11,000
Poole, P (in circle) unk
Sterling unk
Ishapore, RFI unk
Skennerton and Richardson state that Radcliffe's numbers might just be parts from subcontractors. I doubt the 75,000 as complete bayonets as they are not that common.
Only Poole and RFI are dated. Poole used different size font during their manufacture. My large font P1946 has been thinned down to be used as a knife with the pommel latch removed, my small font P1947 is still in standard condition.
Real RFI examples are hard to find as 99% of those out there are cheap fakes. A close look at the grips and markings will help those looking. I have seen 1977 and 1978 dated examples, (I lack a '78)
Sterling is not a No.5 bayonet but as it is technically identical and standard No. 5 bayonets were issued with Sterling SMG's I have included them: they are also fun to find! As seen some have clearing holes, some do not. Grips vary from wood, plastic and steel. Pommels are either void of markings or not. One of mine have "BSA" over "C" and another has "H" over "C". Some have been noted with "STERLING" engraved in the blood groove, only one of mine does.
Hope this inspires..
In review the published numbers:
Wilkerson, WSC or S294 188,000
Radcliffe, N187 75,000
Viners Ltd, VNS or N79 42,000
Elkington, M78 11,000
Poole, P (in circle) unk
Sterling unk
Ishapore, RFI unk
Skennerton and Richardson state that Radcliffe's numbers might just be parts from subcontractors. I doubt the 75,000 as complete bayonets as they are not that common.
Only Poole and RFI are dated. Poole used different size font during their manufacture. My large font P1946 has been thinned down to be used as a knife with the pommel latch removed, my small font P1947 is still in standard condition.
Real RFI examples are hard to find as 99% of those out there are cheap fakes. A close look at the grips and markings will help those looking. I have seen 1977 and 1978 dated examples, (I lack a '78)
Sterling is not a No.5 bayonet but as it is technically identical and standard No. 5 bayonets were issued with Sterling SMG's I have included them: they are also fun to find! As seen some have clearing holes, some do not. Grips vary from wood, plastic and steel. Pommels are either void of markings or not. One of mine have "BSA" over "C" and another has "H" over "C". Some have been noted with "STERLING" engraved in the blood groove, only one of mine does.
Hope this inspires..