Polish AKM 6H4 Scabbard Variation

[Mr. B.]

This is an unusual bayonet variation that is documented, but rarely encountered. It is basically a Polish AKM 6H4 Type II bayonet with the typical Type I scabbard. However. it has a 10mm longer rubber insulator and missing an insulator stop on the scabbard. This temporary mold change was made in the 1980's as they were developing their version of the Russian AK74. During this time period this rifle and bayonet were known as the "Archer". This rifle was to become the WZ88 5.45x39mm  "Tantal" weapons series in 1988, but the elongated insulator was not adopted. 
Pictured below with the matching "Archer" bayonet, are a standard Polish AKM 6H4 Type II bayonet with the Type I scabbard and a new black WZ96 5.56x45mm "Beryl" Type II bayonet with the Type I scabbard.      M.

[Mr. B.]

Here is the documentation from a Polish reference book. M.

[Mr. B.]

Translation = In the country and abroad are also found Polish bayonets of elongation of about 10 mm rubber insulating skirted what has been caused by changing the mold – Archer - at the beginning of the eighties.

Note: The word "Lucznik" translate to "Archer". It represents the Polish weapons manufacturing company, Fabryka Broni "Lucznik" in Radom, Poland. Also known as F.B. Radom. M.

[Brian]

Thanks for the info Mike.