I should re-read Curtton's sticky every couple of months, I keep learning new thing (or finally "get" things)!
It seems that many un-refurbed SKS have a matte gold bayonet that can be cleaned off, which suggests that the stuff may be some sort of preservative.
There is also the shiny gold bayonet which I think should be held in high regard and kept the way it is. Now....if someone would just tell me what it is for.![]()