The Imperial Japanese Army Type 30 bayonet was produced from 1897 until 1945 to accompany the Arisaka Type 38 rifle and later the Type 99 rifle. The designation as Type 30 was a result of the bayonets official adoption in the 30th year of the Emperor Meiji’s reign.
Until the late 1930’s, the Type 30 bayonet remained virtually unchanged. As wartime production increased, numerous civilian contractors as well as military and colonial arsenals were engaged to produce the Type 30. This, combined with wartime shortages resulted in a large number of variations. This bayonet was manufactured by National Denki (National Electric) under Kokura Arsenal Supervision.
The 400mm blade has a slightly rounded spine and is un-fullered. The blade is single edged and is in near mint condition and retains its black finish. The shiny/pale areas seen in the photos are a result of the lighting. The ricasso is stamped with the interlocking circles of the Tokyo Kokura Arsenal along with the National Denki mark, an arrow through the letter M.
The cross-piece has a straight quillon with a squared end. The contoured wooden grip scales are secured by rivets. The hilt is finished with a flat sided birds’ head pommel. The end of the pommel is stamped with inspection marks and a serial number (12948). The press stud mechanism is in good, crisp working order.
The cross-piece and pommel retain their original black finish. The wooden grip scales are in good condition with use related marks.
The bayonet is complete with its blued steel scabbard with early button-type end. The scabbard is in good condition and retains its blued finish.
This is an excellent example of a wartime production Japanese Type 30 Arisaka bayonet.
