Russian 6H5 genuine or souvenir?

[BasvdBerg]

Hello collectors

Yesterday I bought my first Russian 6H5 in Tallinn, Estonia being on a business trip. Since I see so many 'souvenir' bayonets like this one on the internet I am not 100% sure or mine is the real thing.

It would classify as a early type since it has the narrow cross guard.
My biggest concern is that the blade does not have the OTK stamp or the inspectors stamp.
After closer inspection it does have a OTK stamp on the back of the handle.
Hard to see as it is blue or purple inkt on black.

Anyone with the same type of bayonet?

Thanks already.

Greetings Bastiaan.

[Mr. B.]

Hi Bas, I am not sure what to tell you. It appears to me to an original, as issued, Russian AK74 6X5 bayonet and scabbard. It is the early first variation with the narrow crossguard. Mine is Plum colored with specks. I can not tell if yours is plum or black from your pictures. I understand about the missing or different markings. Both the bayonet and scabbard should have the raised mold numbers. The inspection and proof marking are usually on the ricasso. I have never seen them on the flat area behind the muzzle ring? The ink stamps are easily removed when cleaning especially with solvents. The hand etched issue numbers indicate it was paired with a weapon.
I am not sure what happened with the number on your scabbard. The original number has been ground off and a new matching number added, (forced matching). The fact that it has issue numbers indicates to me that it is a real one, not a souvenir. Mike

[BasvdBerg]

Hello Mike

Thank you for your reply. Mine seems to be black. I do not find any mold marks. The one on the pommel might have been grinded away when it was renumbered. The scabbard has none like yours.

Bastiaan

[Brian]

Narrow crossguard area ones are rare....quite hard to find and command a premium price. I think there is little doubt yours is an original issued one. Congrats, nice find!