Original Item: Only One Lot Available. The Type 30 bayonet was a bayonet designed for the Imperial Japanese Army to be used with the Arisaka Type 30 Rifle and was later used on the Type 38 and Type 99 rifles. Some 8.4 million were produced, and it remained in front-line use from the Russo-Japanese War to the end of World War II.

The Type 30 Bayonet had a blade length of 400 millimetres (15.75 in) and an overall length of 514 millimetres (20.24 in). It weighed approximately 700 grams. Type 30 bayonets are also known as Pattern 1897 bayonets. The early Type 30 bayonets featured a hooked quillion guard which gave them a distinctive look, but later models had a straight hand guard.

The first bayonet has a straight-contoured crossguard, and has a blued blade finish. It is a Straight quillon design. The grip is contoured, and has been retained by screws. The pommel of the bayonet is shaped like a birdshead, which means it’s an earlier model. The blade also bears two markings. This bayonet was manufactured between 1935 and 1942 by Matsushita Kinzoku KK, under Kokura Arsenal Supervision. Matsushita Metalworking Corp was part of the Matsushita National Denki (Electric Corp.). Surviving group members now make electronics under the National and Panasonic brands. Sugawa estimates production at 900,000, the second-highest among the subcontractors. The bayonet comes with its original wood scabbard. The condition is good with post arsenal sharpening present and a nice darkened patina on the blued finish.

The second bayonet of this lot has a hooked quillon design and has a C shaped crossguard. The finish of the blade is blue, and the grip is contoured and screw retained. With a birdhead shaped pommel, it is obvious that this bayonet is also an early war model. No markings can be found on the ricasso. The blade appears to have once been a bright finish but is now oxidized and stained. The grip scales are weathered and worn with chips and pieces missing. All steel components are a mixture of being partially blued and worn with light rust present. The all steel scabbard is no longer straight and has a few dents . The frog is a lovely canvas type, it is frayed but does still retain the originally leather retaining strap.

The design of these bayonets was intended to give a Japanese infantryman a long enough reach to pierce the abdomen of a cavalryman. The design, however, had a number of shortcomings, some caused by the poor quality of forgings used, which tended to rust quickly and lose their edge when bent.

Both bayonets come with the original scabbards.

This is a wonderful opportunity to add three different Japanese bayonets to your collection and is ready for display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 15 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge Bayonet
Overall length: 20 1/4“
Crossguard: 3 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 16 1/2"