SADF / SAP M1 FN-FAL Type-A Knife Bayonet with Metal Scabbard. No. 22281.

SADF / SAP M1 FN-FAL Type-A Knife Bayonet with Metal Scabbard.  No. 22281.

Knife bayonet for use on the 7.62 mm. NATO caliber Fabrique Nationale - Fusil Automatique Leger (FN Light Automatic Rifle or FN-FAL) selective-fire rifle. The first South African FAL's were purchased from FN ca. 1961 and designated M1. These first contract rifles were the early FAL without a flash suppressor, the same as the M2 FAL initially adopted by the Belgian Army. 
The FN-made South African M1 bayonet is parkerized and has ribbed black plastic grips. The South African "M" inside a "U" property mark represents "Union (of South Africa) Military.  The most distinctive feature of the Type A bayonet are the flash-hider "prongs" integral with the muzzle-ring. These served as an ersatz flash-hider on early FALs that had no muzzle device. The blade profile is a variation of the U.S. M4 design. The grip scales can be wood, plastic, or sheet steel. The steel scabbard follows the standard FN Mauser export bayonet scabbard design developed in the 1920's.  Stamped SAP to the pommel. The bayonet withdraws and inserts smoothly and is held firmly in the scabbard. 
Length (bayonet) :  32 cm

Length (blade) : 20cm

Length (in scabbard) : 34.5cm