Technical data :

Total length : 311.15 mm
Blade length : 200 mm
Muzzlering : 22.4 mm

Was used on : No. 4, Sten SMG

General information :

This bayonet, initially designed for the Sten submachine gun, features a special system to fit to the rifle. The pommel had to be turned 180 degrees so it can be placed over the barrel of the Sten or SMLE No. 4 and lock to the lug. Due to this locking system, the No. 7 bayonet is considered to be a socket bayonet.
When placed on the SMLE No. 4 rifle, only the pommel touches the rifle and the muzzle ring is a few centimeters in front of the muzzle.

About 300.000 No. 7 bayonets were made, most in the R.O.F. (Royal Ordnance Factory) in Poole. Although the production cost was considerably higher than that of the No. 4 « Spike » its functionality made the the No. 7 a major step forward compared to the latter.

The blade features a Bowie-tip and the handle is made of Paxolin. This composite material consists of paper or linnen fibres drenched in resin. Nowadays, Paxolin is still used for the construction of model airplanes for example.

Known makers :

BSA, Birmingham Small Arms Trade Association, Birmingham
Elkington & Co, Birmingham
P, Royal Ordnance Factory, Poole
Wilkinson Sword Company

Images.

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