Scarce British Sterling machine carbine bayonet. This bayonet is essentially the No.5 Mk1 bayonet with only very small differences such as the lack of a clearing hole in the pommel, a 2mm shorter total length and a 0.1mm reduction in the muzzle ring diameter.
These bayonets were commercially produced by Sterling soon after the end of WW2 for supply with their machine carbine which was sold to a variety of overseas military and police units.
The 198mm clip-point Bowie blade has a single edge and long single fuller below the rounded spine. The blade is in very good condition and retains its factory edge. The ricasso retains its black paint. The left side of the blade is etched with the maker’s name, “STERLING.”
The wrap around steel grip scales are in excellent condition and are held tightly in place by two rivets. This design of grip scale was later used on the L1 range of bayonets. The press stud is in perfect working order. The pommel is stamped with the letters HC.
The bayonet is complete with its No.5 type scabbard. The scabbard is in excellent condition. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of the famous Sterling machine Carbine bayonet.
