Kalashnikov Bayonets of the World

The majority of Polish AK47, (55-H-212), bayonets were produced and serial numbered with an "A" prefix and 5 numbers. This indicated a Army or Arsenal contract. They also made 1958 dated bayonets serial numbered with a "Z" and 4 numbers. This variation was thought to indicate Zastapienie, (override, replacement, substitution), These were for police, militia, reserve units and army replacement They could have been a single production run or a percentage of each year's production. My research would indicate they represented about 10% of total "A" production, The highest number I have confirmed is Z 3997 which could represent about one years production. These "Z" code bayonets seem to be some what rare. It would be interesting to see what others have found. Please feel free to post your numbers and pictures. Mike

More detailed pictures. MIke

Great info you are providing Mike!

i have a 58 with no markings except for a diamond by the serial and what looks to be a "C" on the front where the "11" arsenal marking would be the serial number is "A 21936"

We would need to see pictures of the side of the cross guard with the "C" to make a reasonable guess as to what this bayonet is. Since you call it a "58", I would assume it is stamped on the right side of the cross guard. The "A" serial number on the bottom of the hilt tang would be correct for a "58". The small diamond stamp after the serial number is the military acceptance stamp or final proof mark found on all the Polish AK47 bayonets.
I would suspect from your description that the "C" is a partial or light stamp of the "11" in an oval arsenal stamp. Either a poor original stamp or perhaps sanded or ground and refinished during reconditioning / rework.
Mike

Here's mine. Serial number Z1722.