*GDR (DDR) East German, Cold War Era, MPi-KM Modell 59/2 (AKM Type I Transitional) (AK47) Knife Bayonet with Steel Scabbard and Leather Frog*
A Cold War era East German AKM knife bayonet of the Modell 59/2 transitional pattern, issued to the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA) for use with the MPi-KM Kalashnikov rifle. The bayonet features black ribbed phenolic grip scales secured by two rivets, a steel pommel with muzzle ring and press-stud release, and a single-edged blade with sawback spine and oval wire-cutter aperture.
The blade is designed to engage with the lug on the steel scabbard to form a wire-cutting tool, a standard Warsaw Pact feature intended for cutting barbed wire and other field obstacles. The bayonet is complete with its original steel scabbard and grey leather belt hanger (frog), allowing it to be carried on the soldier’s web equipment.
Several inspection and production marks are visible including a circled “K” on the crossguard, a circled “Z” on the scabbard, and a circled “M” on the wire-cutter plate, all typical of East German manufacture and quality control inspection. The scabbard also bears the production code “1 1946/2”, an East German internal parts or production designation rather than a date.
This pattern represents the transitional form of the AKM bayonet, combining early knife-bayonet construction with the improved wire-cutting scabbard system adopted throughout the Warsaw Pact during the Cold War.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 14.6 cm. Overall length: 27.4 cm.
History Note:
Following the establishment of the German Democratic Republic (Deutsche Demokratische Republik – DDR) in 1949, East Germany developed one of the most capable armed forces within the Warsaw Pact. The Nationale Volksarmee (NVA) adopted the Soviet Kalashnikov rifle system during the late 1950s, producing licensed versions known as the MPi-KM and MPi-KMS.
Bayonets produced for these rifles followed Soviet patterns but were manufactured to a notably high standard in East German factories. The Modell 59/2 transitional bayonet reflects the development of the AKM bayonet system, incorporating the combined knife and wire-cutting tool concept that became standard across Warsaw Pact forces. Today, East German examples are particularly sought after by collectors due to their distinctive markings, relatively limited production compared with Soviet counterparts, and their association with the well-equipped NVA during the Cold War period.
*Condition*
The bayonet remains in good overall service condition. The blade shows signs of age and use including light surface wear and areas of pitting, consistent with military service and storage. The sawback spine remains well defined and the wire-cutter aperture intact. The steel scabbard displays similar honest wear and light oxidation. The original grey leather hanger remains present and functional, with expected ageing and wear to the leather. All components appear correct for the pattern. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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