British WW2 No.4 MkII* bayonet made by the Baird Engineering Company of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Skennerton reports that Baird Engineering produced only 75,000 of the No.4 Mk II* spike bayonets between 1942 and 1944, making these the scarcest of the No.4 Mk II* spike bayonets.
The socket block is stamped with the pattern designation above the maker’s mark, “BEC.” and dispersal code N96 within an oval border. The War Department arrow is stamped above the maker’s mark. To the right of the maker’s mark is an Indian Government stamp, similar to a crown over IG above the number 367. It is believed that these bayonets were intended for issue to Indian troops but no records of this having happened are available.
Baird produced No.4 bayonets differ from those of other makers in that their spike is fixed in place with a pin as opposed to being welded. The finish on the block and spike is also superior.
The steel scabbard is the No.4 Mk I type. The bayonet and scabbard are in good condition and retain their original finish.
