AK47 Identification

[Bayonetman]

Hello to all members, I am a new member to the group and new to collecting the AK47 & AKM Bayonets, my knowledge of the AK47 & AKM bayonets is very little what I know you could get on the back of a postage stamps. I am in the process of purchasing a copy of
KALASHNIKOV BAYONETS: THE COLLECTOR'S GUIDE TO BAYONETS FOR THE AK AND ITS VARIATIONS -By Martin D. Ivie, which I am hoping to get a copy after Christmas.

In the meantime, I would be grateful of some help please. I have in my collection 2no AK47 bayonet which I was told when I purchased them, one be a Polish AK47 and the other to an East German copy of the AK47.
Could one of the members please confirm is the description I have been given are correct.

Fist AK47 copy is Polish followed by East German copy

Cheers Alan (UK)

[Mr. B.]

Hi Alan, Welcome to the Forum! We all have had to start some where and Martin Ivie's book is an excellent place to begin. It covers all the basic information about AK bayonets. However, there are a few errors and omissions that occur in hard copy references, especially since this book was published 20 years ago, (Jan. 1, 2002). Lot's of new and updated information can be found in newer or more detailed hard copy references as your interests grow. This Forum and other online sources are available to help answer questions as you learn. There is always something new to learn and sharing information and pictures is an enjoyable part of collecting for all of us.
Cheers, Mike

[Mr. B.]

Now to answer your questions. The 1st bayonet pictured is a Czech VZ58 bayonet. I am unable to provide more detailed info about it from the picture, there are several variations. It is not a true Kalashnikov bayonet, but a close cousin so we include it in our collecting. The 2nd bayonet and scabbard are indeed East German, (DDR), AK47 6X2 versions. The scabbard is an early version with the round scabbard spring rivet and hanger appears to be original. Very nice item. The 3rd bayonet and scabbard are Polish AK47 6X2 versions. From the circle 11 placement it is a 1958 variation and the scabbard has what appears to be a correct, original hanger. The bayonet could be a standard "A" variation or a rarer "Z" variation according to the serial number on the bottom of the hilt tang. Another nice item! the older AK47 style bayonets and scabbard are getting harder to find.
Try to look up your bayonets in the individual country sections below. Enjoy!
Cheers, Mike

[Bayonetman]

Hi Mike
Thank you for confirming the origin of the AK47 bayonets which I have to date in my collection, your help was very much appreciated. I am look forward to participating in the group discussion in 2022.
I am going to be off line most of the time over Christmas period, so I would like to wish all member a happy Christmas and let’s hope 2022 is a good year for us all
Cheers Alan (UK)