British WW2 production of bayonets for both British & Commonwealth forces was shifted to manufacturing a new shorter blade bayonet and reducing the blade length of existing 1907 long bayonets held in country. For 'Pacific' theater fighting, it was established that a shorter '12 inch' blade was more practical. In terms of a half dozen manufacturing companies in India were assigned by the 'War Office' , to produce the bayonets and also to convert the longer 1907 bayonet to the new Model 1943 12" blade type . Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI), was the predominate manufacture. Other factories supported the production , but to a lesser extent with smaller quantities. The 1944 'Square Pommel' bayonet was essentially the same style bayonet, but with the less expensive 'to manufacture', square base or pommel, and although many were issued the same 1943 wood profile grips, a less refined and inexpensive rectangular wood grip was to be applied as 43' model wood grips were exhausted. Both bayonets served the British and Commonwealth Forces from the Burma campaign thru the sweep up through Indochina, to V J Day. Though phased out of the British forces in post war years, the bayonet continued to serve Commonwealth forces and constabulary outfits as late as the 1970s. These bayonets are meant to fit the #1Mk3 Enfield Rifle as well as the '2A' .308 caliber model of India. It will not fit the Enfield #5 Jungle Carbine. Extremely limited !
BAYONET FINISH MAY VARY
