Soviet Union, Cold War Era, AKM Type II (6X4) Bayonet with Scabbard

*Soviet Union, Cold War Era, AKM Type II (6X4) Bayonet with Scabbard*

Soviet Cold War AKM Type II (6X4) bayonet with scabbard, blade marked with rare “K” inspection stamp, serial 198600 (mismatched scabbard). A solid service-issued example of the iconic Kalashnikov bayonet.

An original Soviet AKM Type II bayonet, pattern 6X4, designed for the Kalashnikov AKM assault rifle. The bayonet features a 14 cm Bowie-style blade with saw-back edge, an oval slot, and a hooked lug that works in conjunction with the scabbard’s wire-cutter plate. The grip is made of black phenolic resin with serial number 198600 clearly stamped, and the scabbard bears serial 199538 (non-matching). The pommel incorporates the standard spring catch and muzzle ring.

Blade length: 14 cm
Overall length: 26.6 cm

Markings:
- The blade ricasso shows a dot-punched “K”, interpreted as an OTK (Technical Control Department) inspection mark or an armoury control stamp. Such punch-letter acceptance marks are documented across Soviet bayonets.
- A small “5” is present near the pommel release catch, typical of assembly/inspection digits used during manufacture.
- Serial numbers are present on both grip and scabbard, though mismatched.

History Note:
The Soviet 6X4 bayonet entered service in the late 1950s alongside the AKM rifle, replacing the earlier 6X3 pattern. Its insulated scabbard and hooked blade lug allowed the bayonet and scabbard to function together as a live-wire cutter, a feature widely copied by Warsaw Pact allies. Soviet production took place primarily at Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, with inspection overseen by the OTK. Examples circulated worldwide during the Cold War, supplied to Warsaw Pact states and client armies.

*Condition*
Service-used condition. Blade retains original profile with clear saw teeth and shows light staining and use marks. “K” marking clear at ricasso. Pommel steel with honest wear, inspection “5” visible near catch. Grip secure with serial legible but surface worn. Scabbard complete, wire-cut plate intact, but a loose fit. Overall a solid, authentic Cold War Soviet bayonet. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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