Kalashnikov Bayonets of the World

I recently added a new Tabuk bayonet to my collection.

I just noticed a few production differences on the scabbard of this one.
This scabbard is unnumbered. The bayonet is numbered 2015611.

On the lower upside part of the scabbard a circular mould line is found. On the upper upside part is a rectangular mould line. On the upside part there are two circular mould lines missing.

On the back side of the scabbard there are ‘usually’ 4 small circular mould lines. These are missing on this scabbard.

See comparison pics.

Scabbard comparison pics

Very nice Iraqi AKM 6X4 Type II bayonet and scabbard. You are correct the scabbard appears different than the usual ones. The differences that you point out make it very similar to the black Yugoslavian Type II scabbards. Since Yugoslavia provided Iraq with the equipment and technology to make these bayonets and scabbards it's no surprise that they are very similiar. I believe that this scabbard may have been made in Yugoslavia for Iraq or made in Iraq at some point in time using the original Yugo molds. Compare your scabbard with the Yugo Type II scabbards with the rectangular mold mark in the upper front.
Mike

Comparison picture of mould lines of Yugo scabbard and Yugo (possibly) produced scabbard for Iraq.

Hi Alexander,
Good to hear from you. It’s been quiet around here. Nice picture showing the similarity but also slight differences between the Yugo and Iraqi production. During my research I found no evidence that the Yugos produced any of the orange bayonets or scabbards for Iraq. The Yugos could have sold the black ones from stock or made them under contract like they did for other countries. However, Iraq wanted to make their own and bought the technology and machinery from the Yugos. This would have included the scabbard molds. The Iraqis used these along with making their own molds. The Yugo molds could have been old and new styles also new or used.
Multiple molds are used during production and it is possible the Iraqis just used what ever molds where available at any given time. Due to the mold making process it has been stated that no two are identical adding to all the minor variations we find. Case in point would be the mold numbers on Russian Type II scabbards from both arsenals. Mike

A good example of all this is available on the previous page. Brian posted pictures of 5 different Iraqi Type II bayonets and scabbards to illustrate the color differences. Enlarge and examine them closely. They also display a lot of the molding variations. Notice the Yugo style one with the rectangular mark and the large circle at the bottom. Also notice the different shapes and sizes of the hand position bump on the side. The different shapes of the arches and ribs at the top. The different appearance where the body meets the cutter plate. The cutter plates are also different. Made in Iraq or from parts or complete pieces from Yugo or other places. Welds left or ground smooth. Smooth or domed rivets on the stop front. Different sized top on the pivot. Mike

As a side note the color and marbling differences are from the way the color is added and mixed with the basic material. The basic or matrix material used in most of the Type II grips and scabbard bodies has a natural yellow to light tan color. Similar to Russia and Bulgaria a shade of red coloring, (dye?), is mixed in before molding. The shade and amount added controls the final result. The way the coloring is added and mixed in controls the marbling. Obviously the Iraqis have a problem with consistency and blending. Mike

I completely agree Mike,
There is a lack of consistency with the Tabuk bayonets. When inspecting my own collection of Tabuks i get the same picture. They can vary a lot in individual details and placement of mould marks on the grip especially. Some of them also carry small numbering on the pommel and some don’t.

Handles/mould circles

Handles/mould circles other side

Scabbard “consistency”

Since we are on the subject of mold marks. All the makers of Type II bayonets and scabbards use the same basic material. The material is heated to a semi-liquid and pressure injected into a two piece mold. As the material is injected into the mold it forces the air out of the mold. This requires vent or spew holes. The use of different molds and injection machinery by different countries can be used to help identified the manufacturer of the grips and scabbard bodies.
Below are pictures of the bottom of the grips of two Iraqi bayonets, a Yugo, and a Russian. The Iraqi has two elliptical spew mark. The Yugo has one square spew mark. The Russian, (and Bulgarian) have no spew marks, they use a different method.
Next are the matching scabbard bodies. The Iraqi scabbards have one elliptical spew mark on the edge. This can be on the upper or lower area depending on the molds and the positioning in the injection machine. The Yugo has one square spew mark on the side. The position may vary, I only grabbed one for the picture. Again the Russian, (also Bulgy), used a different method with no visible spew marks. However they have a different marking. a long rectangle with rounded corners on one side. This mark varies from depressed or extruded. Mike

Here are the scabbards. Mike

Hi Alexander,
Please inspect your Iraqi scabbard with the Yugo type rectangular mold mark on the top front side. Does it have the Iraqi or Yugo type spew mark? That would tell us where it was made. It would also be interesting to check out all of your Iraqi bayonets and scabbards to see if they conform to the above information. Please post what you find out. I only have two Iraqi bayonets on hand and have not recorded info on others I have handled.
Thanks, Mike

Here are comparison pics of the spew marks. Far right one is the scabbard with the yugo similarities.
I also included the spew marks from its bayonet.