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Polish AK47 Bayonet & Scabbard Hangers

Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 8:40 pm
by Mr. B.
There have been several questions recently about the leather hangers used with the Polish AK47 bayonets. When the Polish AK47 was introduced in late 1956 as the 1957-58 production model there was already a Polish Fighting Knife (WZ-55) in production (1955-57). The scabbard and hanger system for the knife was carried over for use on the bayonets. The hanger design is unique to Poland and uses two small metal loops on the scabbard for attachment. The hanger has two small slots which the loops go through and an integral leather strap goes thru the loops securing the hanger to the scabbard. The first hangers were sewn together using different patterns. They used a variety of different colored natural leather with and without different patterns of embossed edge lines. Another unique feature was a small flap sewn on the inside of the hilt loop to cover the rear of the stud to prevent damage to the bayonet grip panels.
When the second production of the bayonet and scabbard was begun with the 1970 model, the early sewn hanger was used. when these ran out a new version was introduced. It is exactly the same, except assembled with rivets instead of sewing. Instead of a sew flap the rear of the stud was covered with a small glued on leather patch. Some 1970s can be found with the sewn hanger, but the riveted version on a 1957-58 means it is a replacement.

Below are 6 random Polish AK47 bayonets, four 1958 and two 1970 models to show some of the different patterns. Also a close up of the sewn and glued stud covers. Mike
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Re: Polish AK47 Bayonet & Scabbard Hangers

Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 8:50 pm
by Mr. B.
The knife and bayonet hangers themselves were the same size and shape and look the same with one small difference. The hilt loop is positioned differently making them non-interchangeable. The knife had a small thin crossguard and the hilt loop was positioned just above the crossguard. The Bayonet had a much thicker crossguard incorporating a muzzle ring and the locking assembly. The hanger for the bayonet had the hilt loop 1/2" -3/4" higher than the knife version. There is also a difference in the diameter of the hilt loop as the hilts are different dimensions too. Below is a picture of the WZ55 fighting knife showing the position of the hilt loop. For visual reference it is almost at the top of the scabbard. Mike
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Re: Polish AK47 Bayonet & Scabbard Hangers

Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2018 7:16 pm
by Brian
Great info!

Re: Polish AK47 Bayonet & Scabbard Hangers

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2018 3:24 pm
by Mr. B.
Here is a better picture comparing the differences in the Polish AK47 bayonet vs WZ55 knife hangers. They do not interchange! The arrows show the difference in hilt strap position. They are also different in the hilt strap circumference. The WZ55 hanger is too tight on the bayonet hilt around the locking catch. The higher position of the AK47 hanger on the WZ55 hilt is too tight because of the palm swell. Mike
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