Bayonets

BAYONETS

L1 SERIES BAYONETS

The L1A1 Self Loading Rifle's original trials were with the FN knife bayonet the X2E1, other bayonet designs underwent trials, a double-sided blade similar to the Belgian FN49, and the X2E1 without the flash hider prongs (X3E1). The Lee Enfield No5 bayonet was eventually used as the basis of the L1 series of blades. The trials version of this blade was the X4E1, almost identical to the production versions but without any marks on the ricasso or grips.

The rifle was designated the L1A1 Self Loading Rifle (SLR), and the bayonet shared that designation. The L1A1 blade was so closely patterned after the No5 bayonets, that the No5 Mk1 scabbard developed during WW2 continued in use with the L1 series bayonets until, the SLR was replaced by the L85A1 rifle, in the late 1980's.

BAYONET TERMINOLOGY

The L1 series of bayonets consists of four variants, L1A1, L1A3 & L1A4 produced in Britain, the L1A2 produced in Australia. The L1A1 and L1A3, were manufactured by Enfield and BSA, the L1A4 was manufactured by Hopkinson Ltd, Sheffield. A Canadian variant was produced using the L1A2 specifications and was designated C1. A version of the L1A1 was also produced by India, designated 1A. The British, Australian, and Canadian bayonets are almost identical, but the Indian bayonet, although closely patterned on the British L1 design, made at the Rifle Factory Ishapore. It has wooden grips and 10inch blade, rather than the 8inch blade of the L1 British, Australian and Canadian bayonets

The L1A1 has a protruding press-stud and, identifying marks “L1A1”, “960 0011” (stock number), and a manufacturer letter, followed by a two-digit date on the grips. The blade is marked on the ricasso with a manufacturer letter, followed by two-digit date, and an arrow.

L1A1 Bayonet

L1A1 Bayonet Markings

L1A1 manufactured in 1959 by Enfield Small Arms, NATO Part No:960 0011

The L1A2 was an Australian produced bayonet, following the British L1A1 pattern. The Australian bayonet has no identifying marks, and retains the protruding press-stud design. The L1A2 was produced at the Small Arms Factory, Lithgow, from 1958-1984. The earliest L1A2 bayonets, had the squared fuller like the British pattern, but changed to the unique rounded fuller in 1960.

L1A2 Bayonet

The L1A3 bayonet was introduced into British service during the late 1950s to eliminate the protruding press-stud, used on the L1A1 design. It was felt that the press-stud, caused the bayonet to be, too easily dislodged, so the catch was made flush with the pommel, with a recessed surround, and retained the shaped crosspiece. At this time, a number of L1A1 bayonets were retro fitted with the L1A3 grips and pommel, by Enfield Small Arms. In the mid-1960s, the L1A3 blade fuller was shortened, creating a very long ricasso. It was thought that the fuller extending almost to the crosspiece weakened the blade. Later L1A3 bayonets also introduced a simplified crosspiece. The L1A3 bayonets are marked “L1A3”, “960 0257” (stock number), and a manufacturer letter, followed by a two digit date on the grips. The blade is marked on the ricasso with a manufacturer letter, followed by two-digit date.

L1A3 Bayonet

L1A3 Bayonet Dimensions:

Overall Length:	305mm	Blade Length:	203mm
Muzzel Ring Diameter:	14.9mm

L1A3 Bayonet Markings

L1A3 manufactured in 1959 by Birmingham Small Arms, NATO Part No:960-0257

The L1A4 bayonet design, was approved in the late 1950s, but was not produced until the 1970s. Most of the differences are in its internal construction. The L1A4 used the simplified crosspiece, introduced on late L1A3 bayonets, but returned to the long fuller. The L1A4 bayonets were made by Hopkinson Ltd., Sheffield and marked, “SM” followed by an “H” inside a diamond, “960 2379” (stock number). The blade is marked on the ricasso with an “H” inside a diamond, followed by two-digit date. On the pommel (Left) is "R" inside a square, and on the pommel (Right) is "C" inside a square.

L1A4 Bayonet

L1A4 Bayonet Dimensions:

Overall Length:	305mm	Blade Length:	203mm
Muzzel Ring Diameter:	14.9mm