East German KM87 AKM 6X4 TYpe II Bayonet & Scabbard

[Mr. B.]

It has been brought to my attention that this forum does not have a post about the East German, (DDR), KM87 Bayonet & Scabbard. This unusual and rare bayonet is to me the ultimate Kalashnikov Bayonet. It has lot's of extra features and is a survival weapon as well as an extremely well made bayonet and scabbard. Here are some pictures of the one in my collection. Mike

[Mr. B.]

The following pictures show some of the features and differences between the KM87 and the standard East German AKM 6X4 Type II bayonet and scabbard. Mike

[Mr. B.]

[Mr. B.]

Here are some more features of the KM87 Bayonet. Note that the removable pommel contains a rubber "O" ring that fits in to a recess on the hollow grip to make it water proof. Another note, the pins on the pommel and grip that align them when the pommel is in place. Also note that the pommel is numbered to match the blade. However for some unknown reason there are no matching numbers on the scabbards. Mike

[Mr. B.]

Here are pictures of the unique KM87 scabbard with the permanently attached hanger. The hanger has small and large belt loops plus a signaling mirror. The cutter plate also is different and is shown next to a standard East German Type II scabbard. Note the screw driver tip.
Mike

[Brian]

Thanks Mike,
What about the so-called 2 variations of the KM87? I only really consider them to have one type with maybe minor differences, but some say there are 2.
Also, were these ever official issue anywhere?

[Mr. B.]

I have only seen one basic version of this bayonet. There do seem to be several very minor variations. There is a difference in the printing of the users manual that comes sealed in the bag with the bayonet and scabbard. I have seen evidence of this plus some have a matching serial number hand written on the back, some do not. There also seems to be a difference in the color of the fabrics used for the hanger. Blue vs grey tint on the webbing and Velcro. To me this is very minor and only when seen side by side under the same lighting. There may well be other minor differences also. These differences could be from different production runs or just running changes due to availability. Supposedly less than 2000 were produced before the end of the DDR. At one time there was a registry of serial numbers of these bayonets on a couple online sites and other forums. My question is, were the serial numbers unique to the bayonets or were they matched to rifles as was usually done.
According to some sources supposedly somewhere between 20 and 50 of these bayonets were given out as mementos or awards, etc.. Approximately 200 were supposedly issued to a special commando unit for field use and or testing. The remainder were sold as surplus, new in sealed bags. Mike

[Mr. B.]

Here are a few more pictures of the KM87 bayonet and scabbard. Details of the hole in the front of the scabbard, for placement of the lower hanger rivet. The top of the scabbard and top hanger rivets. The users manual with the serial number hand written on the back to match the numbers on the bayonet blade and pommel. Pictures from the manual of the items inside hollow grip and pommel. I did not want to unpack mine as it would be difficult to repack all the items. Also a picture of one in the bag with the Para cord and manual. I have one I opened and display and a 2nd one still sealed in the bag. Mike

[Mr. B.]

[Brian]

I have my KM87 with book...
And then I also have just the book on its own for bayonet 2209
Just in case we ever find the owner and he wants to reunite them

[ilian]

I also have a KM87 but not the book (number 1835)

[Mr. B.]

Here's a picture from another site that illustrates some of the minor variations in the KM87 hanger. Note the light colored Velcro patches and the smooth black leather. Mike

[Mr. B.]

Ilian, I would be glad to scan the pages of my book and you could use them to make your own. I would send dimensions and you could organize, resize, and reprint them. Leave the last page blank and hand write your number. I have helped others make reproductions for damaged or missing ones in the past. PM me if interested. Mike

[MDIvie]

I have both the early and late versions of the booklet. Mike has the early version which is correct for Ilian's bayonet. I may have correct paper in stock as well.

MDI

[RPBCPS]

Gentlemen,
What would you think is the current market value for a KM87, without the booklet?

An old collector friend of mine in the USA, not a member of this board, sent me this message "I managed to get a East German survival bayonet KM87 for $35.00 at a flea market here. Not mint but complete with all the stuff in the handle".

Now, I believe that is a bargain, I know I paid a lot more for my KM87 that I bought direct from Germany about 10 years ago !

Stay safe
Richard

[DesertVet]

That's awesome! Thanks for all the info on this.

[Bruno]

Got my own example at te end..

Price was like to buy an airplane...

[Mr. B.]

Congrats! Welcome to the club. Mike

[furtium]

Yes, congratulations. I know I slept well the day I finally bagged mine.

[MDIvie]

Bought the first six I saw at the Brandenburg Gate Flea Market Oct. 3. 1990. Still have one of these original six in my collection.