*Czech, Late Variant VZ-58 Bayonet, with Original Leather Scabbard dated 1982*
16.8cm blade, 28.5cm overall
Marked “109170” sideways on the ricasso, “0” on the obverse.
Late production variant VZ-58 bayonet, designed for the 7.62 mm Czechoslovak VZ. 58 assault rifle (7.62 mm Samopal Vzor 58). While the VZ. 58 bears some external resemblance to the AK47, it boasts a distinct internal design. Unlike other Warsaw Pact nations, Czechoslovakia opted not to use the AK47 or AKM, instead introducing the unique VZ. 58. Engineer Jiří Čermák developed this rifle at Brno, with production taking place at Česká Zbrojovka a. s. in Uherský Brod from 1958 to 1984. Čermák served as a weapons designer at Brno from 1954 until his retirement in 1986. Although the Czech Republic’s Army has initiated the replacement of the VZ. 58 with the CZ 805 BREN, the VZ. 58 continues to be in active service.
This late production bayonet features a full-length tang that extends beyond the grip scales, secured by two rivets. The press catch is in the crosspiece, eliminating the need for a pommel. However, the lack of a pommel resulted in broken grip scales, due to the tendency for soldiers everywhere to use the bayonet as a hammer. Later production bayonets like this featured a full-length tang that extended rearward to protect the grip scales. This full-length tang was the ultimate significant design modification introduced around the mid-1970s. With the tang running the full length, the grip halves could no longer be epoxied together as was done with the short tang bayonets. The grip material is beech particleboard bonded with phenol formaldehyde resin. However this variant is unusual – although it has the tang improvements – it is without the lower crossguard extension.
The original scabbard is made of smooth leather and is stamped on the back with “K6 Crossed swords 82”, followed by “OTK” 2, “serie 2”.
*Condition*
There is some minor pitting to the blade but otherwise this Czech bayonet is in good condition, with the press button in good working order. The original leather scabbard is in good condition with stitching and rivets intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQCOXDE_6959145625
