Markings on No.5 Mk.II

[Reibert]

Hi, mates !

What´s the meaning of the marking

F5
B

The bayonet´s manufactured by ROYAL ORDNANCE FACTORY, POOLE in 1946.

Thx. in advance,
R.

[Alex W]

My No. 7 Mk I L made by Poole in 1948 has a very similar marking on its pommel. I imagine its a inspectors mark.

That No. 5 is in nice condition, is it yours?

[Reibert]

Thx., Alex !

Observed the same inspectors mark, hallmarked upon the pommels of No.5 Mk.II´s, manufactured by Poole in 1946.

Does the B stands for Birmingham ?

[Reibert]

...

That No. 5 is in nice condition, is it yours?

Yes, received it only a few day´s ago.

BTW, it seems, the sheath ia an early one, manufactured in WWII, am I right ?

[Alex W]

Thx., Alex !

Observed the same inspectors mark, hallmarked upon the pommels of No.5 Mk.II´s, manufactured by Poole in 1946.

Does the B stands for Birmingham ?

Not entirely sure. On British WW1 bayonets the inspectors mark letter correlated with with where the bayonet was manufactured e.g.: E for Enfield. If thats the case and B = Birmingham, why were there no inspectors at Poole? Could also be that particular component was manufactured at Birmingham and then the Bayonet was put together in Poole or vice versa.

[Alex W]

Yes, received it only a few day´s ago.

BTW, it seems, the sheath ia an early one, manufactured in WWII, am I right ?

My understanding is if the throat is thinner and flush with the scabbard body (like yours) then it is an earlier one. If the throat is the thicker brass which protrudes slightly from the scabbard body then its a post war, later example.