*Japanese, WW2, Type 30 Arisaka Sword Bayonet with Hooked Quillon, Made by a subcontractor of Nagoya Arsenal, with Original Scabbard*
Approximate Measurements: 39.5cm blade, 50.9cm overall
Marked on ricasso: Inverted triangle next to the symbol for Nagoya Arsenal – which refers to an unknown company under Nagoya supervision
Marked on pommel (serial number): Inspector stamp, 82410
This example features a highly polished, single- edged fullered blade, a hooked quillon, contoured grips secured with screws in escutcheons, and a contoured bird’s-head pommel. It is marked on the ricasso with an inverted triangle next to the symbol for Nagoya Arsenal – these marks are well documented for a subcontractor of Nagoya. It comes complete with an early production scabbard, which has a raised frog band and ball finial.
Background:
The Type 30 (also known as Pattern 1897) was a bayonet introduced in 1897 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 until 1945, and it remained in front-line use from the Russo-Japanese War to the end of World War II. It was the primary bayonet used on Japanese Arisaka rifles during World War II. Typically about 20 inches in overall length, the Type 30 bayonet was produced in 18 distinct patterns, primarily featuring three types: hooked quillon, straight quillon, and straight quillon with squared pommel. Early Type 30 bayonets usually sported a hooked quillion guard. The hook was believed to have been discontinued in the late 1930s or early 1940s, as it was no longer popular in many countries and might have been eliminated to simplify production. Bayonets were usually serial numbered, with numbers assigned independently from the rifles.
The bayonet is marked with a round figure-8 symbol, representing the Nagoya Army Arsenal, which features two Shachi (mythical golden dolphins). Shachi, believed to bring rain and protect against fire, were often used as roof adornments in Buddhist architecture. A famous pair of Shachi adorned Nagoya Castle, which was destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt in 1959.
*Condition*
Good used condition. the blade is in excellent condition, the wooden grip shows some signs of wear commensurate with age. The press button works well and the scabbard fits securely. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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