Romanian Model 59 Type I Bayonet - Tan Frog - Serial #S AR2047 For Sale

Romanian Model 59 Type I Bayonet
with Correct Scabbard, Full Tan Leather Frog, and Wrist Strap
Serial #IL 1363
IntroductionThere are four recognized bayonet types and three identified scabbard types from this series. In chronological order: The Model 47 Type I (also referred to as the Model 51), Model 59 Type I, Model 59 Type II/Early Model 74 Type III, and Model 74 Type III cover the bayonets; while the Model 47, Model 59/Model 74 Steel Type, and Model 59/Model 74 Plastic Type, describe the scabbards.
BackgroundThe Romanian Model 59 Type I bayonets are easily identifiable by the saw tooth edge on the spine of the blade and the two-piece handles held together by two screws with capped holes. They are also a variation that tends to be somewhat roughly finished and crudely put together, giving them a somewhat primitive look. The bulbous plastic pommel is a telltale characteristic of this classic bayonet design.In 1963 the code started as \'AA,\' with numbers after that beginning at \'0001.\' The next bayonet would have been \'AA 0002\' up to AA \'9999.\' The following bayonet in the sequence would then become \'AB 0001,\' and so on. A triple letter prefix value would occur if the number of bayonets manufactured in a given year went beyond the \'AZ 9999\' serial number (e.g., \'AAA 0001\'). The first bayonet of 1964, therefore, would have consequently been \'BA 0001.\'Starting in mid-1980, the serial numbers changed. They began with the letter \'S,\' a space, a two-letter code, a space, and a four-digit number. So a bayonet with the serial number \'S AA 0001\' would ostensibly be the first in the series made in 1980, while one with the serial \'S BA 0001\' would be the first bayonet produced in 1981, \'S CA 0001\' the first one made in 1982, and so on.
DescriptionYou are offerding on a Romanian Model 59 Type I bayonet that is in very good shape. Although not in unissued condition, as it has seen some field use, the set is in extremely nice and collectible condition with a tan leather frog, tan leather keep, and brown leather wrist strap. The quality of this set is somewhat uncommon, as many of the Romanian Model 59 Type I bayonets being offered on the market today are in relatively poor and incomplete condition.The serial number of \'IL 1363\' on both the scabbard and the bayonet make this piece even more interesting and desirable. Based on the formula described in the section above, the \'IL\' seems to indicate that the bayonet is of 1971 vintage.
NotesThe winning buyer will receive the Romanian Model 59 Type I bayonet listed above and shown in the photos below. Feel free to email via the messaging system for answers to any questions.
Above images: Photos of the exact Romanian Model 59 Type I bayonet the winning buyer will receive.
All photos and text Copyright © 2015 by Phil Steinschneider