Russian bayonets for AK-47

[croblade]

Here are few different Russian bayonets made for AK-47 rifle.

First two are still packed and never opened (who knows what is inside )
Two in the middle are (or should be) same as packed bayonets
Last two are made for Finland.

[MDIvie]

Okay, how can I tell a Russian AK47 bayonet that was made for Finland?

[Brian]

Isn't it something to do with the drain hole being absent?

[Mr. B.]

The Finnish serial numbers are stamped in the left side of the pommel at a 45 degree angle where as the Russian ones follow the curved edge of the pommel. The Finnish ones also found with a blued or black painted finish. The main differences are found in the scabbard. Brian is correct. The Finnish ones do not have a drain hole, the Russian ones have a drain hole in the front. The Finnish fabric hangers are more green and the Russian ones are Tan/khaki. The Finnish handle retaining straps are sewn to the hanger. The Russian ones are attached by a single rivet. The Finnish ones are also found with a black all sewn leather hanger.
M.

[Brian]

I am going to have to install a "like" feature on this forum

[MDIvie]

Damn, another variation I don't have.

Thanks

Martin

[Mr. B.]

Here are four different versions of the Russian AK47 bayonets and scabbards. Descriptions are according to MDI's book. Left to right as follows: Early pattern, hand etched serial number on the left side of pommel, smooth leather hilt strap. Next, later pattern, number stamped on the right side, pebbled leather strap. Next, later pattern, stamped number on right, synthetic hilt strap. Last, a reworked pattern with hand etched number on the left, two band hanger bracket with different method of hanger assembly. Note that all four have a drain hole in the lower front of the scabbard and ALSO all four have a diamond shaped proof mark of the right side of the pommel with 2 letters, (CB?). All for hanger hilt straps are attached to the hanger fabric with a single rivet. M.

[Mr. B.]

Corrections: The bottom picture was rotated while downloading and should have been the first picture and the top picture should have last. M.

[Mr. B.]

Pictures of the Russian AK47 serial numbers. M.[/attachment]

[Mr. B.]

Refer to Finland AK47 bayonet and scabbard variation pictures. M.

[Mr. B.]

I recently picked up another early Russian AK47 6X2 bayonet and scabbard. It is similar to the ones posted above with the exception that the hand etched serial number is on the opposite (left) side of the pommel. Just a small variation. Mike