WW2 British Army Spike Bayonet

The WW2 British Army Spike Bayonet was introduced during the Second World War as a simplified and cost-effective alternative to earlier sword and knife bayonets. Designed for use with the No. 4 Lee-Enfield rifle, the spike bayonet features a cruciform or, more commonly, a round-section steel spike instead of a traditional blade. This design prioritizes ease of manufacture and practical utility, reflecting wartime resource constraints and production needs. The bayonet measures approximately 10 inches in overall length and attaches securely to the rifle via a locking mechanism at the base. The spike bayonet was issued widely to British and Commonwealth forces from 1941 onward. It is characterized by its utilitarian appearance, lack of a cutting edge, and robust construction intended for thrusting rather than slashing. Original examples typically exhibit wartime manufacturing marks, indicating the factory and year of production. The WW2 British Army Spike Bayonet remains a significant artifact from this period of military history.