Product type: bayonet replica
Prototype origin: Romania
Design basis: Soviet 6X3 bayonet
Prototype intended for: AKM-pattern assault rifles
Set includes: bayonet and metal scabbard
Visible marking: EG 4794 on the bayonet crossguard and scabbard
Replica of a Romanian Type I AKM bayonet with a metal scabbard. This type is characterized by a reddish-brown synthetic grip with a rounded end, a blade with saw teeth along the spine, and an elongated oval opening. The design follows the Soviet 6X3 bayonet, one of the early multifunctional bayonets developed for the AKM system.
Serial production of the Soviet 6X3 began in 1960 at the Izhevsk and Tula arms factories. Its design reflected a changing approach to the purpose of the bayonet: in addition to being mounted on a rifle, it was also intended to serve as an auxiliary field tool. On the original model, the saw teeth and the wire-cutting system formed by the bayonet and scabbard expanded the traditional functions of a bayonet.
The Romanian version of this design is referred to in collectors’ catalogues as the Type I AKM bayonet. It was used with the 7.62 mm “Pistol Mitralieră model 1963”, a Romanian-produced version of the Soviet AKM. The history of the Romanian variant is therefore associated with the introduction of locally produced AKM-pattern weapons during the 1960s.
Original Romanian examples typically feature reddish-brown plastic grips, although other shades are also encountered. The colour of the rubber scabbard insulators and the suspension fittings varied. Leather or textile hangers wrapped around the scabbard insulator were used in Romania. These features can help distinguish different variants, but colour alone cannot reliably determine the year of manufacture.
On the presented example, the matching marking EG 4794 is visible on both the bayonet crossguard and the metal scabbard. The grip is dark reddish-brown, while the scabbard has a dark finish. Saw teeth are clearly visible along the spine of the blade, and the characteristic opening of this design type can be seen near the front section of the blade.
Condition: scratches are visible on the grip and metal components, together with finish wear and surface darkening. The suspension strap, grip strap and rubber scabbard insulator are not shown in the photographs.
