Hi, does anyone know when the communist Air Force daggers were first produced?
I have one from 1951 numbered 201. Just wondering if it was an early piece. I know that the stat seal changed in 1955 and am fairly certain that zik stopped making them in the 1970's.

I have a 1949.

Do not bother with any numbers except the date. It is my understanding all the serial numbers were assigned as part of a state program to confuse how many daggers, guns, tanks etc. The dates and the finish are good indicators.

I hope that helps.

Jim

Thanks Jim,
It is dificult to find any information on the USSR as you point out, dis-information and secrecy were paramount.

Soviet AF Daggers were carried by officers between 1949 and 1958. After 1958 AF daggers were carried only by officers who participated in the military parades. the numbering is not continuous between these dates.

Another point. The factory did not stop making the daggers in the 70's it continued until at least 1992. ZIK was simply renamed to Bulat and the new maker's mark was stamped on the blade

Simon do you mind showing us the picture of your AF dagger

Unfortunately I only got one crappy pic before my battery gave up in the camera so here it is, I will post better ones when it juiced up.
The dagger is in minty condition, just a few very minor marks on the leather scabbard.

here are more pics.

2

3

4

here are my 1957 army and 1955 navy, they are all very well made daggers unlike the communist Bulgarians but for me the Romanian communist daggers are great, I have an ary but love a navy to go with it.

navy

Here is my 1949 Air Force

here is a 49 AF and a 52 Navy

Nice daggers folks. Here is mine dated 1945 the last year this model was made. It is actually 1940 model without a catch button.

reverse, no catch button