What bayonet is this?
- Thread starter Navy87Guy
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Alaskan Ironworker
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Is there a chrysanthemum stamp on it?
These are the only proof marks I can see:
There’s also a serial number on the end of the hilt. It looks like it says 028026.
NIGHTLORD40K
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Type 30 Japanese Arisaka bayonet, mid to late WW2 production.The contracting authority was the Kokura Arsenal, represented by the four overlapping circles. The subcontractor symbol to the right is, I believe, unknown as the records were destroyed, but its not uncommon.
@NIGHTLORD40K - Awesome...thank you!!
It makes me wonder if the same great-uncle who “brought home” his Navy Colt 1911 when he retired from the Navy in the 50’s also brought home this bayonet. He served on submarines and sub tenders in the Pacific during WW II.
It makes me wonder if the same great-uncle who “brought home” his Navy Colt 1911 when he retired from the Navy in the 50’s also brought home this bayonet. He served on submarines and sub tenders in the Pacific during WW II.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
I found another book which lists the "Tokyo Hourglass" symbol as belonging to the Hikari Seiki Arsenal. My go-to "Illustrated History of Bayonets" was published in 2004, so perhaps it is recently uncovered information or there are contradictory historical records.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Sounds likely! Nice memento.
I just ran across the same reference...amazing what you can find once you know where to start looking! (The info was credited to Raymond Labar’s “Bayonets of Japan”.)
Once it warms up, I think I’ll be building a holder to display this on the wall. I have a few other mementoes from his time in the service...including a cribbage board with USS SNAPPER and an ash tray made from a 3” shell from one of the deck guns. Maybe I’ll figure out how to incorporate all of them.
When you build it post pictures. We love seeing others works of arts and momentos.
vintovka
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Nice momento and worth mounting in a shadow box with a maybe a little plaque so future owners will know their history. BTW Unless its the picture, it looks like it took a beating somewhere along the lines. If so, don't try to bend either the muzzle ring or hook back into position unless you know what youre doing. Seen a few with broken parts due to amateur efforts, Once common, Arisaka bayonets have now joined K98 bayonets,et al, in scarcity and value,
Thanks for the tip! It actually is just the photo...other than some surface rust, it’s in excellent shape and everything is as straight as an arrow. I would never try to “fix” a piece of history!
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
A little oiled steel wool will clean off the rust speckles without damaging the remaining finish underneath.
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