I have drawn upon the following posts: 1- An interesting 1949 SKS, 2- 1949 SKS ЮE 1217, 3- An early 1949 SKS, 4- 1950 SKS with spike bayonet and 5- ИM 3. This is to show how the early 1949 SKS progressed.
1- Starting with Sean's interesting 1949 SKS.
https://ibb.co/album/TqjT562- Knurl on magazine release and safety lever.
Sling mount thickness.
https://ibb.co/album/HhvbM52- Progression from sans serif to serif 1.
Op rod from grooved and marked to round.
Stock modified for trap door.
Trap door modified.
https:
https://ibb.co/album/Cp3WG03- Magazine rivet modified.
Cleaning rod nubs modified.
https://ibb.co/album/ScdVQ34- Front sight markings. No sign of markings until early 50. I do not have a 49 to
offer different opinion.
https://ibb.co/album/Fm6hnF5- One thing to note is that on all of the engraved dates, they show the 1 are all serif.
https://ibb.co/album/wZn8vY