Opinions on No.4 Mk.I Cruciform Bayonet

**Alex W** · 07-28-2014, 01:52 PM

Hello everyone

I'm thinking about purchasing this moderately priced Singer No.4 Mk.I Cruciform Bayonet but I know they are heavily faked. I've done a bit of homework and to me it looks alright but I've never held one in hand so I'm not sure. The I in Mk.I looks a little funny but it does look similar to other "original" items online. The photos are from the seller. All comments welcome.

Thanks
Alex

**Jim P** · 07-28-2014, 06:37 PM

Looks good to me. The markings always seem to be uneven and sloppy on these, but it is the right maker and date.

Jim

**Alex W** · 07-28-2014, 11:31 PM

Thanks Jim. Makes me feel a lot more confident knowing you think it's good. Much appreciated.

Alex

**Adrian Stevenson** · 07-29-2014, 07:26 AM

I am not keen on the "I" .

I would pass on it.

Cheers, Ade.

**Alex W** · 07-29-2014, 09:26 AM

Thanks for the reply Ade. It looks like all the letters on the right of the stamp seem to have been hit harder. The base and top of the "I" seem to be the right length. The MkII "II" joined together ones seem to look a lot longer.

I would feel more comfortable seeing it in hand although The seller does have a money back guarantee.

**Jim P** · 07-29-2014, 06:49 PM

The "I" being deeper, is I believe, a result of the bayo not being set in the press perfectly, or a dirty jig, causing it to stamp unevenly. If you study the stamping, every thing high left is barely stamped, while everything low right is excessively stamped. There seems to be a lot of variance on the singer stampings, so I wouldn't be worried. I would worry more if it were a perfectly clean stamping.

Jim

**Alex W** · 07-30-2014, 10:02 AM

Jim, I've looked at as many photos online that I could find of the Mk. I and Singer Mk.II and I've got to agree with you it seems as though at least half have dodgy stampings with one side struck harder than the other.

**USNV5** · 07-30-2014, 10:35 PM

What is the blade length?

**Alex W** · 08-01-2014, 01:30 PM

Sorry for the late reply USNV5. I don't have the blade length. Given the sellers money back guarantee I decided to take a shot with this one and its on its way to me. Once I have it in hand I'll compare it's length to a Mk. II.

**Jim P** · 08-02-2014, 03:04 PM

Like USNV5 points out, length is a good indicator of originality. you also want to make sure that the "flutes" or high points of the cruciform blade stay uniform all the way to the tip. Since you have an MK II you know how much different the grind is on the tip. There is nothing obvious in the photo's though and I have yet to see an MK II converted to an MK I so perfectly. But, better safe than sorry!

Jim