Albanian ASH 78 Folding Spike Bayonet

[Mr. B.]

A collector recently posted online looking for detailed pictures of an Albanian ASH 78 folding spike bayonet. This rifle and bayonet are a copy of a Chinese AKM Type 56. There are several differences in the rifle, but the bayonet, (blade and sliding hilt), appears to be the same as the Chinese ones. It was thought that they may have just used Chinese parts.
I directed him to the topic on our Forum and then asked what identified one as Albanian. He replied that he had read in reference books that there was a letter “R” marked on the locking part.
I then closely examined the 17 spike bayonets currently in my possession. No two were the same. Different points, casting, machining, finishing and other details. Only one had any markings. One that came back from the Balkan Conflicts in the late 1990s. The sliding hilt had a “M75” stamped on the top of the hilt and what appears to be an “R” stamped on the front.
Is it possible this is an Albanian made bayonet? Does anyone have any reference material, pictures or other information? Thoughts or opinions? Thanks, Mike

[ilian]

Hi Mike,

It's me that asked for more picstures of albanian Ash 78 folding bayonet on Facebook

Thanks again.
No more informations at this time, only found on the russian book "Штыки к автоматам Калашникова".

[Mr. B.]

Yes, I have that book too. I had missed the “R” stamp. I didn’t associate it with the one I have. The “R”s do look the same. I guess if I trust this book I may have an Albanian spike? I have asked for confirmation from other sources which may help. Several of the ASH 78 parts kits have been imported into the U.S.. I have asked owners to check their bayonets.
I am not sure I trust this book or read Russian. Also I have found several other errors / misinformation in this book. Note they call this one an ASH 82? Also note the bayonet pictured has a vertical point, mine has a horizontal point?
I also have no idea what the “M75” represents. No one else seems to have seen it or have any information about it? Always something new to learn. Thanks, Mike

[Mr. B.]

Hi Marc, Here are some detailed pictures of what is suspected to be an Albanian ASH 78 bayonet. Left to Right in all pictures are an early Chinese T56 with milled/machined hilt, a later Chinese with a cast hilt, and the Albanian cast hilt. What appears to be corrosion on the Albanian are from the rough casting of the hilt and the blade tang, Even the front of the hilt is not machined. Mike

[Mr. B.]

A few more pictures of the Albanian ASH 78 bayonet. Mike

[Mr. B.]

Here is a picture from the Russian reference book compared to the one in my collection. Note, the one in the book has rough circular machining on the front. Mine is as cast, no machining on the front. Mike

[Brian]

Good info!

[ilian]

I have 7 chinese type 56 bayonets and zero Albanian :/ thanks again Mike for your help on facebook and here