Czech VZ58 Leather Scabbards Variations
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2020 9:42 pm
Similar to the Czech VZ58 bayonets there are few variations in the leather scabbards. The rifle production was from 1959 until 1985. The bayonets and scabbards appear to have remained in limited production past that point. Evidentially this was done to replace all the old outdated Type I and II bayonets plus to replace others due to loss, wear and damage. The approximately 1 million rifles produced are still currently being issued and used.
There is only one general pattern for the all the leather scabbards. They consist of either 7 or 8 pre-cut natural tan leather pieces. The pieces are layered and sewn together with light colored thread. Each is then secured with either 5 or 6 rivets. The rivets are hollow with a single domed head on the front. The rivets on the early ones are green changing to grey and black on later ones. The securing stud on the hilt strap also changes from green to grey/black as well.
The leather is usually smooth natural tan to light brown in color. Darker colors are from wear and exposure to the elements over time. Some of the early scabbards also are made from a textured embossed leather that was carried over from the leather military items produced starting in the early 1950s, (VZ52 -VZ52/57). This may have been used randomly or by certain suppliers that made the scabbards. At least five different companies made the scabbards over the years, sometimes at the same time. Each manufacturer used different markings over the years on the back side of the scabbard.
The first manufacturer that made the early scabbards used a slightly different method of attaching the belt loop to the scabbard body. This is known as the 5 rivet version. it looks the same as the 6 rivet version made by the other companies, but uses only 5 rivets. Another variation is the 6 rivet version made of white lacquer faced leather, (patent leather), and bright rivets for ceremonial purposes. Only a limited number of these were made. As more were needed the standard scabbards were simply dyed or painted white.
One reference also mentioned a couple times, that some of the early scabbards were also made in a left-hand version. This was supposedly done by simply turning the patterns over. This version would attach to the belt on the wearers right side with the hilt angled forward. I have not been able to substantiate this version and have never seen one, even in other references or pictures.
Mike
There is only one general pattern for the all the leather scabbards. They consist of either 7 or 8 pre-cut natural tan leather pieces. The pieces are layered and sewn together with light colored thread. Each is then secured with either 5 or 6 rivets. The rivets are hollow with a single domed head on the front. The rivets on the early ones are green changing to grey and black on later ones. The securing stud on the hilt strap also changes from green to grey/black as well.
The leather is usually smooth natural tan to light brown in color. Darker colors are from wear and exposure to the elements over time. Some of the early scabbards also are made from a textured embossed leather that was carried over from the leather military items produced starting in the early 1950s, (VZ52 -VZ52/57). This may have been used randomly or by certain suppliers that made the scabbards. At least five different companies made the scabbards over the years, sometimes at the same time. Each manufacturer used different markings over the years on the back side of the scabbard.
The first manufacturer that made the early scabbards used a slightly different method of attaching the belt loop to the scabbard body. This is known as the 5 rivet version. it looks the same as the 6 rivet version made by the other companies, but uses only 5 rivets. Another variation is the 6 rivet version made of white lacquer faced leather, (patent leather), and bright rivets for ceremonial purposes. Only a limited number of these were made. As more were needed the standard scabbards were simply dyed or painted white.
One reference also mentioned a couple times, that some of the early scabbards were also made in a left-hand version. This was supposedly done by simply turning the patterns over. This version would attach to the belt on the wearers right side with the hilt angled forward. I have not been able to substantiate this version and have never seen one, even in other references or pictures.
Mike