Soviet, Cold War, c.1960s, AKM Type I (6X3) Bayonet by Izhevsk Arsenal, Bakelite Grip & Insulated Wire-Cutting Scabbard, with Leather Belt Hanger and Wrist Strap
An original Cold War Soviet AKM Type I (6X3) bayonet manufactured at the Izhevsk Arsenal, retaining its Bakele insulated scabbard with wire-cutting system, leather hanger, wrist strap, and multiple armoury electro-pencil issue numbers.
*Soviet, Cold War, c.1960s, AKM Type I (6X3) Bayonet by Izhevsk Arsenal, Bakelite Grip & Insulated Wire-Cutting Scabbard, with Leather Belt Hanger and Wrist Strap*
Original Soviet AKM Type I (6X3) bayonet with insulated Bakelite grip and scabbard, manufactured at the Izhevsk Arsenal. This early pattern AKM bayonet features the distinctive clip-point blade with serrated spine and the characteristic oval aperture designed to engage with the scabbard lug to form a field wire cutter. The blade retains a bright finish with visible service sharpening marks and light age toning near the ricasso.
The grip is formed from orange-brown phenolic Bakelite panels secured by a single rivet and fitted with the standard muzzle ring crossguard and press-button locking mechanism. Electro-pencilled armoury number “6853” is visible on the crossguard, while the grip carries the inventory number “580.”
The accompanying scabbard is the correct insulated Bakelite type designed for the AKM wire-cutting system. It retains its steel throat and cutter lug and is stamped with the Izhevsk Arsenal triangle-with-arrow mark, confirming manufacture at the primary Soviet AK production facility. Additional markings include a mould no “76” on the body together with an inked or hand-applied number “999” (possibly read as 606 depending on angle), typical of armoury issue or inventory markings applied during service.
The set is complete with its leather belt hanger (frog) fitted with a metal clip attachment and the original wrist retention strap, intended to prevent loss of the bayonet during field use.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 15.9 cm. Overall length: 27.5 cm.
Historical Note: The 6X3 bayonet was introduced alongside the modernised AKM rifle in the late 1950s and represented a significant development over earlier Soviet bayonets. Designed as a combined combat knife and field tool, it incorporated a serrated spine and, when paired with its insulated scabbard, formed an effective wire-cutting device capable of safely cutting electrified obstacles.
The use of glass-reinforced phenolic resin (commonly referred to as Bakelite) provided electrical insulation and durability, reflecting Cold War battlefield requirements where electrified defensive wire was widely anticipated. Production was carried out primarily at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, one of the Soviet Union’s principal small-arms manufacturers and the long-time producer of the Kalashnikov rifle family.
In Soviet service, bayonets and scabbards were frequently mixed and re-numbered during refurbishment cycles, with armouries applying electro-pencil numbers to keep sets together. Such markings are commonly encountered on authentic service examples and reflect their continued use and maintenance within military stores.
*Condition* Good service-used condition. Blade retains its original form with visible sharpening marks and light staining consistent with field use. Serrations remain well defined. Bakelite grip and scabbard are sound with minor handling marks and small areas of surface wear. Izhevsk arsenal mark remains visible on the scabbard throat. Electro-pencilled numbers present to the crossguard with additional inventory numbers to the grip and scabbard. Leather hanger and wrist strap remain intact and functional with expected age wear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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