AK Bayonets!

[Hombre]

A guy was offering me these two AK47 bayonets... Unfortunately I only got these pictures...
Anyway, I should really appreciate any opinions at all... Good or bad!

Best,
Stefan

[Mr. B.]

They both appear to be Bulgarian AK47 6X2 bayonets and scabbards. Both appear to be in excellent, like new condition. Both are typical mid-range production. The bayonets have different style grip panels, (different sub-contractors?). The scabbards have different finishes and different style / material belt hangers. Perhaps due to different production contracts or different parts availability. The bayonets are not paired or numbered together during production and could have been paired at any time. The difference could have been random or due to different contracts. Both are nice examples!
I have 20 - 30 of these Bulgarian AK47 bayonets and scabbards in my collection, I display about half of them to show differences. All have different variations in either or both bayonet and scabbard. Early to late production, different finishes, different grips, different numbering and markings, different hangers. All this and bayonets and scabbards could be mixed at any time or a result of inspections, replacements and rework. Also provided to and used by many other countries. Not much background information or records are available. Mike

[Hombre]

Thank you, Mike for the information. I really appreciate it!
If I may ask what told you immediately that it was Bulgarian AK47 bayonets?
I am curious to learn as much as possible.

Best,
Stefan

[Mr. B.]

I would suggest reading these posts regarding AK47 bayonet and scabbard identification already on this Forum. Mike
General AK47 ID info.
http://akbayonets.info/viewtopic.php?t=92
Specific Bulgarian AK47 ID info.
http://akbayonets.info/viewtopic.php?t=94

[CarlosC]

I would think the giveaways are the font and direction of the serial numbers (perpendicular to the grip vs following the grip curve like the Russians use); the lack of the necessary stamps that would point to it being Russian or Polish; grip style and color (eliminating East German and Chinese). The scabbards provide clues as well, like the number of rivets holding the strap (two for Bulgaria vs one for the Russians), the drain hole on the opposite side of what the Russians use, and the direction the strap secures. The scabbard style itself eliminates Poland, China and East Germany.

[Mr. B.]

Carlos is correct. Once you read the descriptions and study the pictures basic Identification is easy. Then you begin to notice the minor variations which are more subtle. Mr. B.

[Hombre]

Thank you so very much guys! I really appreciate it!