Name/Title
Bayonet (Type B) South AfricanEntry/Object ID
M. ARM 2Description
South Africa—Type B Bayonet
The Type B bayonet was for FAL rifles equipped with the long Belgian "Browning-style" flash hider. The Type B bayonet differs from the Type A in having a shorter blade, larger muzzle ring, and lacking the flash hider prongs.
The long flash hider had a tendency to burst (i.e., banana peel). It was not popular, only being adopted in small numbers by Chile, Cuba, South Africa, and the West German Bundesgrenzschutz (Federal Border Guard). The T-48 FAL rifles used in the 1950s U.S. Army Trials that resulted in adoption of the M14 selective fire rifle were also equipped with the long flash hider and Type B bayonet. Not having been produced in large numbers, the Type B bayonet is uncommon today. I obtained this example directly from South AfricaAcquisition
Acquisition Method
Donated to MMMAcquired From
Antonio da Cruz