The British No.9 Mk I socket bayonet was the result of a post-war desire to replace the unpopular No.4 spike bayonet. From 1947 to 1949, around 200,000 No.9 Mk I bayonets were produced at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Poole. The Poole bayonets are the earliest documented production of the No. 9 Mk. I bayonet.
This bayonet was made by the Poole factory in 1949. The Poole maker mark, a letter "P" inside a circle and the year of manufacture, “1949,” is stamped on the top of the socket block below the muzzle ring. The right side of the block bears the stamp G5 over a P within a circle.
The 200mm clip point blade has a rounded spine and single edge. The blade is in great condition with slight marks and scratches consistent with use.
The bayonet is complete with its Mk II scabbard with brass throat. The scabbard is in good condition with some loss to its black painted finish. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
