British No. 4 Spike Bayonet

Approved in November 1939, along with the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. I rifle, the No. 4 Mk. I bayonet was short, light, sturdy, and unappealing. Since the Government arms factories were already running at capacity producing rifles and machine guns, private contracts were let for bayonet production. Because of its great simplicity, the government was able to let contracts to firms not previously associated with arms production. During the war, the No. 4 bayonet evolved (or devolved), with each generation becoming more crude and cheaper to manufacture. Nearly 5 million spike bayonets were reported produced.