Some Norwegian post-WWII bayonets

[hpj]

OK, time to start contributing to this excellent forum
Being Norwegian, Norwegian surplus items are easily accessible for me, so I'm starting of by presenting a selection of bayonets used by Norwegian forces from early post war years and up to present time.

After WWII, M1 Garands and M1 Carbines were issued, but applicable bayonets were in shortage. The solution chosen was modifying available bayonets for use on the new rifles. The modifications were carried out at Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk.

Here's a Mauser bayonet modified for use on M1 Garand. Below is an intact Mauser bayonet (manufactured by Mundlos, matching numbers) for comparison.


Closeup of the modified scabbard.


Closeup of the modified mount.


Mount compared to original Mauser.



The M1 Carbine was first equipped with modified Krag-bayonets, later M4 bayonets were manufactured at Kongsberg.

Here's a modified Krag-bayonet and a Kongsberg M4.


Closeup of modified Krag-bayonet.


Markings on modified Krag-bayonet.



The Kongsberg M4 compared to a later model US M4 (Bren Dan) with bakelite grips.


Markings on crossguard on Kongsberg M4.


Markings on scabbard for Komgsberg M4.



In the late 60s, Norway adopted the AG3, a slightly modified version of H&K's G3. The bayonets for the AG3 differ from other G3 bayonets as they have a shorter grip, thinner cross guard and different grip material. AG3 bayonets are usually unmarked, but early examples were built from US surplus M3 blades. I've seen first pattern AG3 bayonets with blades marked US M3 from various manufacturers. The first pattern had a scabbard made from wood imitation. Second pattern has a typical M8A1 style scabbard and is otherwise identical to the first pattern. Current issue bayonets are (as far as I know, I haven't got one yet) standard G3. In addition, there is a special version of the first and second patterns for the royal guards. This differs from regular issue in that the handle and scabbard are black instead of green, and the frog is leather instead of web.

Here are first and second pattern AG3 bayonets, a Swedish AK4 bayonet at the bottom for comparison. The AK4 bayonet is standard G3 proportions with inverted blade and manufactured by Eickhorn.


I'll add info and images as my collection grows. Hope you enjoy this !

Information

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[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Nice collection and photos,
Thank you for sharing.

[browningautorifle]

Lots of pics of stuff we seldom get to see. Around my area these are scarce and unknown for the most part. When one appears, it's identity is a great mystery to most.

[Tom in N.J.]

Here is a pic of my Norwegian made US M1 bayonet. It came in a US M3 scabbard painted green. Note the "S" in US is a square font, like the ones on the Greek EN - S marked bayonets sold by the CMP.

[hpj]

That's a nice one, Tom in N.J. ! As far as I know, the kongsberg M1s were made for export and never issued in Norway. The production was limited, and I haven't succeeded in finding one yet, although I know of one that might be for sale.