When I purchased a bayonet for my SAR-1, I noticed that both the bayonet and the scabbard had matching numbers. I liked that because to me it said they “belonged” together. However, I just recently learned that the numbers have even more meaning:

quote:
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Is there some significance to the matching numbers which are on an AK bayonet and scabbard?

Four digit number groups are almost always found on Russian as well as other east European bayonets, and denote the last four digits of the parent rifle's serial number. These numbers are either etched or hand written onto both the knife and the scabbard, or in the case of the later polyamide handle bayonets, they are sometimes stamped in. When service rifles are issued, they are numbered with all accessories. The bayonets are often separated for various reasons, and most of those that can be obtained in the US are true military previously issued items. (TANTAL)
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This information came from http://217.14.192.57/wwwboard/board5/threads.html

How many of you who received a bayonet with your AK or with your AK kit have matching numbers on your bayonet, scabbard, and rifle? If you do, that would appear to make your weapons group a true collector’s item.

There is a thread in the Polish forum where folks are trying to trade bayonets to match up numbers.  I started one for Romy bayos but it never took off.  I guess because no one was selling the bayos with the kits.

My 'new' bulgarian AKS-74 kit came with a matching numbers bayonet.

I think its a lot more common with the unissued kits. As your quote said, once the rifle/bayo is issued who knows what can happen.