This is a scarce and interesting example of the British WWII, No.4 Mk II* Bayonet. The mounting block bears the pattern designation, No.4 Mk II* and the letter D. A broad arrow is stamped on the same side of the socket. On the obverse of the block the letters “FF & SLD” are deeply stamped. This is the maker’s stamp of a machining company, Fred Fisher & Sons Ltd. Fred Fisher was known to have machined the mounting blocks for the No.4 MkII* bayonet but his mark is not usually found. The front of the socket is stamped with a broad arrow over the letter D and an oval containing illegible numbers – probably the assembler’s dispersal code.
In his book, “Spirit of the Pike - British Socket Bayonets of the 20th Century,” Graham Priest notes that a small number of No. 4 Mk. II* bayonets have been noted with an arrow over "D" marking on the front of the socket. This symbol is similar to the Australian Defence Department ownership marking but remains a mystery as no official record of the bayonet being issued by Australia is known.
The spike bayonet is complete with its correct blackened steel scabbard and is a scarce and interesting variant.
