raddled M1974 bayonet ("brown" hilt)

[Reibert]

Hi, mates,

yesterday I received this NVA M1974 bayonet in very bad condition.
Anyway, it´s not really that easy to get such pattern bayonet, showin´ the "brown" hilt, so ...

The bayonet shows matching numbers.

BTW., NVA bayonets were used again in the Bundeswehr.

[MAP]

Certainly used but doesn't look that bad to me. I like it! Congrats.

[Reibert]

NVA bayonets with "brown" handles are getting more and more expensive...
Yesterday one was auctioned in Germany for EUR 91,-- plus shipping, admittedly in very good condition !

By the way, possible manufacturers of the bayonet M1974 of the NVA of the, former, GDR:
VEB Fahrzeug und Jagdwaffenwerk "Ernst Thälmann", Suhl
(VEB vehicle and hunting weapons factory 'Ernst Thälmann', Suhl)
VEB Jagd- und Schneidwaren "Thomas Münzer", Mühlhausen
(VEB hunting and cutlery 'Thomas Münzer', Mühlhausen)


VEB stands for "Volkseigener Betrieb" ("Nationally Owned Enterprise")

Further information:

ETW (VEB Ernst-Thälmann-Werk, Suhl), later became the
VEB Fahrzeug- und Jagdwaffenwerk "Ernst Thälmann"
(VEB vehicle and hunting weapons factory "Ernst Thälmann")

[baerchen]

Looks very nice, thanks for sharing.

Did the older AK47 bajonetts also have these matching numbers ? Mine does not, just a printed number on the rubber so wondering if this is normal?

[baerchen]

Could you post a picture of the locking mechanism at the end of the hilt, please ?

[Reibert]

...
Did the older AK47 bajonetts also have these matching numbers ? Mine does not, just a printed number on the rubber so wondering if this is normal?

Do You mean the NVA M1959 bayonet ?

Only the M1959 bayonet is equipped with a rubber insulator, (rubber sleeve)
And, yes, even the M1959 shows a serial number.

[Reibert]

Here, for comparison, the M1974 and an M1959
This M1959 also has matching numbers.

[Reibert]

Received a few bayonets today, including a really badly used M1974 with a brown handle.
This copy doesn't show matching numbers.
It is very likely that bayonet and scabbards were mistakenly exchanged among soldiers on the barracks while cleaning weapons.
The long belt loop is almost typical for the M1974 with a brown handle.

The condition of this bayonet clearly shows that it "did service" in what was probably a very "active" unit.
The signs of use are also exorbitant here.

Bayonets of the NVA M1959, M1959/2, and M1974 with a black handle are usually found in almost unused or almost new condition, especially since the M1974 with the "reddish-brown" handle is usually found in a relatively heavily used condition.

[Reibert]

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