East German ‘AKM 59’ Bayonet and Scabbard. BAYO 2619. Bayonets

A Hilt form: two-piece brown plastic grips fully enclose the tang and the pommel. The grips widen towards the pommel end (when viewed from above) and are gently curved on the underside to fit the hand. The grips are secured by two rivets. The pommel ends of the grips are bulbous and house a broad T-shaped attachment slot in the underside. The slot continues as a groove for the entire length of the underside of the grips and this groove widens near the crossguard. A guarded press stud on the left side of the pommel operates a locking catch via an internal coiled spring. There is a large transverse hole through the hilt just in front of the press stud and through this hole is a short brown leather strap formed into a loop with a buckle at the end. Crossguard form: the lower guard is formed into a full muzzle ring. The upper guard is formed into a small hook that curves towards the blade. Blade form: broad (bowie-style) point. There is a rectangular hole in the blade that engages with the stud of the wire cutter on the scabbard. Crossguard finish: painted black. Blade finish: bright steel. Scabbard: thin black-painted straight-sided metal scabbard with a metal mouthpiece that is secured by a clip on the mouthpiece that engages with a hole in the scabbard. There is a small metal loop near the mouthpiece on the back of the scabbard. At the chape end is a metal extension that is roughly the shape of a quarter circle. The blade doesn’t appear to have been re sharpened and is in good condition. 05408 is stamped to the cross guard. There is slight use related damage to the shroud around the press stud on the grips; otherwise they are in very good condition. The scabbard has 8427 stamped to it and the rubber shield is in good condition. Blade length 15 cm (28 cm overall) See An Illustrated History of Bayonets by Martin J.Brayley pages 103-105 & 190/1. The price includes UK postage. BAYO 2619.