East German Model 47 bayonet

The East German Model 47 bayonet (also known as the M1959 or a copy of the Russian 6X2) is the first bayonet produced by the GDR for the Maschinenpistole Kalashnikov (MPiK), their version of the AK-47. This bayonet was manufactured between 1959 and 1965.

Key Features

• Handles: Unlike the brown or reddish-brown grips of other Warsaw Pact countries, the East German variant features distinctive black plastic grips.
• Blade: A classic knife-type blade with a blood groove ("fuller"). The blade is typically unmarked.
• Mounting: Features a 17 mm double muzzle ring, as the AK-47 was not originally designed to carry a bayonet.
• Scabbard: A full metal (blued) scabbard with a grey or olive green canvas carrying strap and a metal push button.
• Serial numbers: If present, these are often applied with an electropen (scratched) to the guard or handle, rather than being deeply stamped.

Difference from later models

• This early model is a pure combat knife and lacks a wire-cutting function or a saw back, features that were only introduced in later AKM models.