*Excellent Japanese, c.1932, Arisaka Type 30 Bayonet with Hooked Quillon & Scabbard for use on the Ariska 38 Rifle*
This sword bayonet was designed to be compatible with several rifles, including the 6.5 mm. Type 38 rifle, the 6.5 mm. Type I (Carcano) Rifle, and the 7.7 mm. Type 99 rifle. These bayonets were typically marked with serial numbers, which were assigned independently from the serial numbers of the rifles. The serial number on the pommel is 94692. The ricasso of the bayonet features a circular figure-eight-like mark, which is the emblem of the Nagoya Arsenal. This emblem symbolizes two Shachi, mythical creatures with the body of a carp and the head of a tiger. These creatures were believed to have the power to bring rain, making them a common decorative motif on Buddhist architecture roofs, serving as protection against fire.
The bayonet boasts a highly polished, fullered blade measuring 37.5 cm in length, with an overall bayonet length of 51.2 cm. It includes a distinctive hooked quillon, contoured grips secured by screws set within escutcheons, and a pommel shaped like a bird’s head. The accompanying black metal scabbard follows the design pattern of the era.
The Arisaka rifles derive their name from Colonel Nariaki Nariakira Arisaka, who was tasked, in the 1890s, with developing a new rifle to replace earlier models like the Murata. The Type 38 rifle (officially known as 三八式歩兵銃 or “sanhachi-shiki hoheijū”) is a bolt-action service rifle primarily used by the Empire of Japan during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II. The Imperial Japanese Army adopted this design in 1905, hence the name “Type 38,” representing the 38th year of the Meiji period. Although partially replaced during the war by the Type 99 rifle due to the perceived shortcomings of its 6.5×50mmSR Arisaka cartridge, both rifles remained in use until the end of the conflict. Notably, the Nagoya Arsenal produced an estimated 312,500 units of this rifle between 1932 and 1942.
*Condition*
This bayonet is in excellent condition, retaining a blued blade with no nicks or pitting. The grip is in very good condition with very minor, service related, signs of wear and tear. The scabbard fits snugly and has a few minor dings commensurate with its age. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
