Albanian ASH 78 Folding Spike Bayonet
Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2023 6:52 pm
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
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