Bayonets by DISA

Revision A2 2015-07-21

DISA

The history of DISA begun in the late 1870's when V.H.O. Madsen (Vilhelm Herman Oluf Madsen) and armourer J. A. N. Rasmussen Bjarnov designed an air cooled recoil repeating gun that would be named after Madsen. The company that should market and manufacture the machine gun was the "Rekylriffel Syndikatet", formed in 1900. The company changed name to "Dansk Rekylriffel Syndikat Compagnie Madsen A/S” the year after, and also moved to the Free Port of Copenagen.

The air cooled recoil repeating gun would be the base for the company for several years, used by both Denmark and other countries. It served with the Danish military for more than fifty years, only retiring in 1955. With the Japanese-Russian war in 1905 the factory exported the machine gun to Russia and earned its international recognition.

When the First World War breaks out, Denmark is neutral and the Danish government prohibits weapon export. The Rekylriffel Syndikat manufactures bayonets for the Danish army, but it was hard to make a living out of that. Unfortunately, as no archives remains, the details of this production is unknown.

A Russian order of 15,000 recoil rifles in 1917 makes the board invest in a Russian factory. However, the revolution changed things, the factory was nationalized and the Rekylriffel Syndikat was close to bankruptcy.

After the First World War a mass production of small machine guns (SMG) developed together with the Danish army begun. It was a success and was exported to both Europe and South America.

In 1936 it changed the name to "Dansk Industri Syndikat A/S", but it was still called Rekylriffel-syndikatet by people in general. At this time DISA started producing tools and anti aircraft sirens.

During World War Two DISA was subjected to sabotage three times because they manufactured weapons to the Germans. The archives were destroyed at the third attack.

In 1963 the production of weapon is ended and in 1993 the section was sold to Nea-Lindberg.

DISA still exists today, but with a different profile.

DISA's production

DISA used different designations for different products, e.g. P.(production number) for pistols, machine pistols and related articles and B.(production number) for rifles, semiautomatic rifles and related articles. The bayonets has also a designation from the related product series. The variants were often only slightly changed based on demands from the buyers/potential buyers.

The P-series starts with P.1 for Madsen – Suomi M/1941 and ends with P.127 for the last type produced in the sixties. The list below shows some basic types

Madsen – Suomi M/1941 - P.1
Madsen M/1945 - P.13
Madsen M/1946 - P.16
Madsen M/1950 - P.56
Madsen M/1953, MK I - P.74

The B-series starts with B.1 and seems to end with B.84. Here are some examples covered by the B-series.

Prototype rifle for China - B.14
Air rifle M. 46 - B.38
Madsen rifle - B. 47
Madsen hunting rifle (pump action) - B. 55
Madsen sport rifle - B. 72
Madsen rifle for the Columbian contract - B.76
Madsen rifle for the Burma contract - B.78
Madsen hunting rifle (lever action) - B. 81

This article will focus on the bayonets made by DISA but I feel that a brief description of some of the weapons that was equipped with a bayonet is necessary.

As none of the bayonets were either issued or got a designation, we will used the production code here.

Madsen military rifle, the Columbian contact

In 1951 DISA introduced a bolt action rifle, "The Madsen Lightweight Military Rifle". To manufacture a bolt action rifle at this time when there still was a lot of surplus arms floating around and semi automatic rifles were introduced, was likely to be a preordained failure.
The development begun in 1949 with product code B.47.

The rifle was never adopted in Denmark, and the export was no success.

The Columbian Armed Forces bought 5000 rifles, an order that was later extended with 1500 rifles for the police force. Both orders was for rifles, bayonets and straps of the US model and they were delivered in 1957 to 1958. The Columbian contract used product code B.76.
The rifle was said to be designated M58 in Columbia, but it was probably never used (It may however have seen ceremonial use). It was later sold as surplus, and most rifles and bayonets that show up now are in very good condition.

Madsen Lightweight Military Rifle was issued with bayonet B51, B.64 and B.73.

Advertising for surplus Columbian Madsen infantry rifles.

It is a common misunderstanding that the rifle has the designation M1947, it is wrong !

It probably comes from the internal DISA product code B.47. Development was not started until 1949.

Madsen/Ljungmann semiautomatic rifle

The AG-42 (Halvautomatiskt Gevaer 42) Ljungman was Sweden’s first standard issue self loading rifle. It was put into production in 1942, with only a one-year development period. It was developed by engineer Erik Eklund while working at company C. J. Ljungman Verkstäder Company of Malmö.
The bayonet used was the standard issue m/1896.

In Denmark DISA also got a license to manufacture the Ljungman semiautomatic rifle.
It could be chambered for several calibers, e.g. 7.62 mm Nato calibre. Unconfirmed sources state that not more than 50 were made for demonstration and sale. Designation was M.49.

In the early 1950s, Sweden also licensed production of a Ljungman variant in Egypt, where it was known as the Hakim. The bayonet was very similar to the Swedish m/1896, but with a wooden hilt.

Madsen/Ljungman semiautomatic rifle was issued with bayonet B 40, B51, B.64(?) and B.73

Madsen/Ljungman semiautomatic rifle with bayonet B.40

Madsen/Ljungman semiautomatic rifle with bayonet B.51/B.64

Madsen/Ljungman semiautomatic rifle with bayonet B.73

Madsen MP M/46, M/50 and M/53

In 1946 Madsen introduced a modern submachine gun, the m/46, which featured an entirely stamped receiver, integral with pistol grip and magazine housing.

Following the initial success of the M/46, DISA introduced the M/50, a slightly modified M/46 with more conventional charging handle at the top of the gun, and in 1953 Madsen introduced the last gun in this line, M/53, which differed mostly in that it used a curved magazines instead of straight ones, and can be fitted with a bayonet mount lug.
The M/53 Mark 2 version differed from all other guns in this line by having a fire mode selector.

Madsen SMG's were sold to various Asian and South American countries.
Brazil also manufactured a licensed copy of the Madsen m/50 in .45ACP caliber.

Madsen MP M53 Mk II was issued witch bayonet B.73, P.97, P.111 and P.116

Madsen MP M53 Mk II with bayonet P.97

Madsen MP M53 Mk II with bayonet P.111

Madsen MP M53 Mk II with bayonet B.73

Madsen MP M53 Mk II with bayonet B.116

Madsen LAR M/62

DISA developed a prototype automatic rifle in late 1950s. The early models were made in caliber 7.62x39 M43 Soviet, to participate in Finnish army trials for new assault rifle. Later on, circa 1959, same weapon was reworked to fire larger and much more powerful 7.62x51 NATO ammunition.

In 1962 the LAR (Light Automatic Rifle) was released for potential sales across the globe. The rifles were available with a wooden stock or a metal detachable stock, later models were available with a folding metallic stock design. By 1965 the design came to a halt as sales of the FN FAL and Heckler & Koch G-3 had already come to dominate the arms market of the period.

From all reports the LAR was a mechanically sound design which would have been an effective weapon, however its late introduction into the arms market race doomed it.

Madsen LAR was issued witch bayonet P.111, K.500 and K.501.

DISA System prototype 1 assault rifle in 7,62x39mm caliber from 1957

DISA NATO System prototype 2 assault rifle in 7,62x51mm caliber from 1959

Pictured above are two early LAR prototypes, with a long bayonet lugs for bayonet P.111

DISA automatic carbine with bayonets K.500 and K.501

Product code K.500 - K.502 was used for the last automatic carbines.

Bayonets

B.40

Dimensions:	OAL	324
	BL	240
	MRD	15,5
	Scabbard length	?
Weapon:	Madsen/Ljungman semiautomatic rifle

B40_Ritning detail.jpg

Bayonet B.40

This bayonet is the first in a series initially developed for the Madsen/Ljungman semiautomatic rifle.

The DISA drawings are dated 1949 and the designation is M.49.

B.51

Dimensions:	OAL	305
	BL	185
	MRD	15,5 ?
	Scabbard length	195
Weapon:	Madsen lightweight rifle
	Madsen/Ljungman semiautomatic rifle

Bayonet B.51

The bayonet with DISA designation B.51 is a knife bayonet with a single edge blade. The blade has a fuller on only one side. According to the DISA specifications the blades should be marked M - (DISA) - 53, but no such markings has been observed. The wooden grips are fastened by brass rivets and washers.

The steel scabbard is marked M - (DISA) - 53 and has a loop on the reverse side.

The DISA drawings of the bayonet are dated 1953 and the designation is M.53.

Madsen/Ljungman was issued with bayonet B.51 for sale and demonstration in the following countries:

· Great Britain

· Indonesia

· Burma

· Columbia

· Pakistan

· Siam

· Venezuela

Madsen lightweight rifle was issued with bayonet B.51 for sale and demonstration in the following countries:

· Ecuador

· Columbia

· Siam

B.64

Dimensions:	OAL	305
	BL	185
	MRD	15,5
	Scabbard length	200
Weapon:	Madsen lightweight rifle
	Madsen/Ljungman semiautomatic rifle

Bayonet B.64

DISA designation B.64 is probably a development of DISA B.51. It is a knife bayonet with a single edge blade. The blade has a fuller on just one side. According to the DISA specifications the blades should be marked M - (DISA) - 53, but no such markings has been observed. This particular bayonet is marked Madsen on both blade and scabbard.

The wooden grips are fastened by steel rivets and washers.

The bayonets B.51 and B.64 are essentially the same, only the grip plate rivets and scabbards differs. The steel scabbard of B.64 is more production friendly and without markings.

The DISA drawings of the bayonet are dated 1955, but designation remains M.53.

B.73

Dimensions:	OAL	324
	BL	210
	MRD	15,5
Weapon:	Madsen lightweight rifle
	Madsen/Ljungman semiautomatic rifle
	MP M53 Mk II

Bayonet B.73

This is the more known of the DISA bayonets, initially developed for the Madsen rifle.

It was later also adopted for both the Madsen/Ljungman semiautomatic rifle and, with a special adapter, on the Madsen sub machine gun MP M53 Mk II.

The bayonet has a very "strict" design with all metal parts painted black. The double edged blade has a central ridge. The pommel has a short and wide T/O-slot and a coiled spring press stud.
The scabbard is made of pressed sheet metal with visible welds on the reverse.

6500 bayonets were made for the Columbian contract of 1955.
The first batch of 5000 bayonets are marked with a 3,5 mm serial number (0001 - 5000) stamped on the scabbard and the pommel. The second batch of 1500 bayonets are electro engraved (5001 - 6500) on the ricasso.
Apart from this, unnumbered bayonets also exists, probably an extra batch of about 200 bayonets manufactured.

Some bayonets can be found that are assembled from surplus parts of the DISA warehouse. They can be identified by e.g. the locking stud is welded from two parts. (The bayonets are unnumbered)

It is a common misunderstanding that the bayonet has the designation M1947, it is wrong! it probably comes from the internal DISA product code for the rifle, B.47.
Development of the rifle was not started until 1949, most bayonet drawings are dated 1955.

P.97

Dimensions:	OAL	219
	BL	129
	MRD	-
Weapon:	MP M53 Mk II

Bayonet P.97

The bayonet with DISA designation P.97 is a small single edged bayonet, with fuller on one side of the blade.

The bayonet was issued for MP M53 Mk II, and the drawings are dated 1954.

It has a soft leather scabbard.

Examples are known from the Köpenhavn Töjhusmuséum and in private collections.

Bayonet P.97 mounted on a MP M/1953 Mk II

P.111

Dimensions:	OAL	270
	BL	180
	MRD	-
Weapon:	MP M53 Mk II
	Madsen LAR, 7.62 mm assault rifle

Bayonet P.111

The bayonet with DISA designation P.111 is a single edged bayonet, with fuller on one side of the blade. It is a longer copy of the P.97.

The bayonet was initially issued for MP M53 Mk II in 1955, but in 1959 an adapter for the Madsen LAR was constructed.

Examples are known from the Köpenhavn Töjhusmuséum.

P.116

Dimensions:	OAL	324
	BL	210
	MRD	15,5
Weapon:	MP M53 Mk II

Bayonet P.116

Bayonet B.73 (left) compared to P.116 (right)

To be able to use the already designed Madsen rifle bayonet B.73 for the MP M53 without a special adapter, only a smaller modification was required. Another guard, with the muzzle ring offset about 4 mm higher, had to be manufactured. Otherwise the bayonets are identical.

The bayonet was not officially marked by DISA, but a few bayonets (demonstration or gift) were marked MADSEN on the ricasso.

About 4.500 bayonets were made, for export to e.g. Indonesia, Venezulela and West Germany.

Most drawings are dated 1955.

Bayonet P.116 mounted on a MP M/1953 Mk II

K.500

Dimensions:	OAL	320
	BL	198
	MRD	21,8
Weapon:	Madsen LAR, 7.62 mm assault rifle

Bayonet K.500

Prototype bayonet for the 7.62 mm assault rifle.

The bayonet has a single edged blade and a design very similar to the Warsaw pact Kalashnikov bayonet AK47.

K.501

Dimensions:	OAL	320
	BL	198
	MRD	21,8
Weapon:	Madsen LAR, 7.62 mm assault rifle

Bayonet K.501

Bayonet K.501 with scabbard and bipod

Prototype bayonet for the 7.62 mm assault rifle.

The bayonet is a development from K.500, with a slightly thinner muzzle ring.

The scabbard also holds a bipod, a quite unusual combination. It may be noted that the Danes already in 1870s tested a bayonet/monopod construction for the M1867 rifle.

Examples are known from the former Enfield Pattern Room and in private collections.

References

1. Ib Leon Hansen

2. Våbenhistorisk tidskrift, Bind 1, Nr 2, 1968

3. Våbenhistorisk tidskrift, Bind 10, Nr 5, 1977

4. Vaabenhistoriske aarbøger XXXVI 1990, “Indførelse af det danske gevaer 1889”, Bjørn A Nielsen.

5. Vaabenhistoriske aarbøger XXXVI 2008, “Den danske haers rekylgevär”, Bjørn A Nielsen.

6. DISA/Madsen Brochures/Manuals

7. The bayonet Book, Peter White & John Watts

8. Aalborg Forsvars- og Garnisonsmuseum, http://www.forsvarsmuseum.dk

9. Töjhusmuseum, http://www.thm-online.dk