This rare WW2 and Malayan conflict era fighting knife was converted from a No.5 “Jungle Carbine” bayonet. This was a professional conversion, possibly carried out by a regimental armourer. The original No.5 bayonet was produced during WW2 by the Wilkinson Sword Company, London.
The 201mm clip-point Bowie blade has a single edge and long single fuller below the rounded spine. The blade is in great condition. The ricasso retains most of its original blackening and is stamped with the WSC mark of the Wilkinson Factory, and Wilkinson’s war-time dispersal code, S294. The obverse ricasso bears a broad arrow stamp and a bend test X.
The wrap around wooden grips are in good condition and are held tightly in place by two screws. The screws bear the War Department arrow stamp. The original beaked pommel and attachment mechanism was removed and replaced with a solid brass pommel. The squared brass pommel is held in place by two rivets. The muzzle ring was removed from the cross guard.
The fighting knife is complete with its original Wilkinson made scabbard. The scabbard is stamped with the wartime dispersal code S294 and retains its original blued finish with age and use related wear to the blueing. The knife sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a rare British Jungle Carbine bayonet/fighting knife conversion.
