Sino-Soviet (Chinese-Russian Made), c1950, SKS-45 Folding Bayonet

*Sino-Soviet (Chinese-Russian Made), c1950, SKS-45 Folding Bayonet*

23cm blade

This bayonet is typically affixed permanently to the 7.62 mm Simonov SKS–45 self-loading rifle, with the blade folding underneath and neatly storing in a designated cutout area within the rifle's forestock. The SKS is a semi-automatic carbine chambered for the 7.62×39mm round, designed in 1943 by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov. A reliable, simply designed, and relatively inexpensive weapon, the SKS was first produced in the Soviet Union but later widely exported and manufactured by various nations.

The markings on this bayonet suggest that this was for a Chinese variant of the SKS.

The Chinese continually revised the SKS manufacturing process, variation can be seen between two examples from the same factory. Type 56 carbines with serial numbers below 9,000,000 have the Russian-style blade-type folding bayonet like this one here, while those 9,000,000 and higher have a “spike” type folding bayonet. Some early examples are known as “Sino-Soviet”, meaning they were produced by China, but with cooperation from Russian “advisers” who helped regulate the factories and provided the design specifications and perhaps even Soviet-manufactured parts.

*Condition*
This is a very rare find. The blade is in excellent condition. The grip is missing the top lug to keep the spring in place but that is easily fixed. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQCEXFO_1884145790