A superb example of the rare British No.4 Mk I cruciform bayonet, manufactured by Singer Manufacturing Co., Clydebank, Scotland, in 1941 for use with the Lee-Enfield No.4 rifle.

The Mk I was the original production pattern and is immediately distinguished by its beautifully machined four-sided cruciform blade. Only approximately 75,000 were manufactured by Singer before the design gave way to the considerably simpler plain-spike Mk II.

This is a particularly well-preserved example, retaining a very clean blade, strong finish and clear original markings.

Blade

The distinctive cruciform blade remains in superb condition, with clean surfaces and four crisp, well-defined fullers.

The point remains sharp and undamaged, and a small period-applied inspection marking can be seen within one of the fullers.

Hilt & Socket

The socket retains excellent, clearly defined markings, including the G Crown R royal cypher of King George VI, No.4 Mk I pattern designation and Singer manufacturer’s initials S M.

The release catch is additionally marked SM / 41, consistent with Singer production in 1941.

The opposite face carries the clearly struck U.S.2 marking. The same marking has been recorded on other Singer No.4 Mk I examples and described by specialist sources as a Singer factory inspection mark.

Scabbard

The steel scabbard remains in excellent condition with a strong finish throughout.

The bayonet fits correctly and securely into the scabbard.

Frog

The khaki webbing frog is also in excellent condition, retaining strong colour with little wear.

A period ink stamp remains visible on the reverse. Unfortunately, it has faded sufficiently that it can no longer be read with certainty, so no attempt has been made to interpret the marking.

Overall

A rare Singer No.4 Mk I cruciform bayonet in superb overall condition, accompanied by its steel scabbard and an excellent period webbing frog.

Approximately 75,000 Mk I bayonets were manufactured, a small production run compared with the millions of simplified No.4 bayonets that followed. The clean cruciform blade, clear Singer, 1941 and U.S.2 markings and excellent accompanying pieces make this a highly attractive example for the British bayonet or Lee-Enfield collector.

Historical Note

The No.4 Mk I represents the first production pattern of the spike bayonet developed for the Lee-Enfield No.4 rifle. Its blade and socket were produced from a single forging, with four fullers machined into the spike to create its characteristic cruciform profile.

Singer Manufacturing Co. at Clydebank was the sole manufacturer of the Mk I, with approximately 75,000 produced. The machining required for the cruciform blade was subsequently eliminated to simplify and accelerate wartime manufacture, resulting in the plain-spike No.4 Mk II.

This short production run, distinctive construction and association with Singer make the original Mk I one of the scarcer and more desirable variants of the wartime No.4 bayonet.

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