Kalashnikov Bayonets of the World

I recently acquired this Russian 6x4 transitional piece. Its a non-reworked piece with original numbers. Its a tula production and there are some interesting stamps and markings.

Additional pictures

Additional pictures

I'm still trying to acquire a Tula at a decent price. Very nice example. Thanks for posting.

Superb as always!

Excellent find! In my opinion this is a true transitional bayonet and scabbard. According to references that have become available in the last few years the 6X4 Type II bayonet was introduced in Type I scabbards before the Type II scabbards were ever produced. That does not mean that new old stock unissued 6X3 Type I bayonets were not issued later and numbered to new Type II scabbards. This later type of "Transitional" was more of using up existing NOS items and not actually new, as manufactured and assembled items.

The bayonet is definitely a very early Tula AKM 6X4 Type II with the carried over arsenal mark on the flat behind the muzzle ring. Very interesting markings on the pommel not found on later production. The scabbard is definitely a late version Tula AKM Type I. All the markings and numbers appear correct for this time period as well. The only things I would question would be the insulator and hanger. I would have thought that the insulator with the "T-T" markings was from very early Tula production. Those early markings are rare and were eliminated with simplified later unmarked mass production. To me, the hanger appears to be a more of a universal style usually found as a replacement or reconditioning item on both Tula and Izhevsk bayonets and scabbards. The original Tula hangers in this transitional time period would have been the light tan ones with a flat "D" ring. Just my humble opinion. Mike

Mike,
How do you tell if a 6x3 scabbard is either Tula or Izhvesk? Whats the difference?

You can identify the scabbards according to arsenals by the rivet heads on the back side of the cutter plate stop. The Izhevsk ones have flattened heads. The Tula rivets have rounded heads. This is true for both the Type I and Type II scabbards. The drawings are from a recent Russian reference book. Mike

Here is a picture of both Izhevsk and Tula Type II scabbards that confirms the differences in the cutter stop rivets. Also pictures of what I would consider to be the correct Tula issued hanger for the transitional time period. Issued with late 6X3 and early 6X4 production. Mike

Added another Tula 6x4 true transitional. This example shows a few minor differences in stampings and ink proofing compared to my other one. Other than that they are pretty much identical. It came with a vinyl hanger.

Other details

Tula star and almost missing ink proofing. Some kind of material/residue remains in the area where the ink is usually found.

Comparison.

Beautiful authentic Tula 6X4 transition bayonet.
Everything as it should be, but unfortunately the acceptance stamps on the bayonet and scabbard are almost always not cleanly and clearly stamped.
Unfortunately, the paint spot stamps in the longitudinal groove have either disappeared or have been removed. Tula 6X4 bayonets always have the paint spot stamps.
Did you take a closer look at the hole for the strap in the grip head, that's also an authentic feature for Tula 6X4 transition bayonet, the random Rockwell test marks on the blade are also interesting.