This is a Japanese Type 30 bayonet produced at the Matsushita Kinzoku KK Arsenal during the later years of world War II. There were a total of 8.4 million of these Type 30 bayonets produced between 1897 and the end of World War II. This model bayonet saw several changes through it's lifetime. Originally, the Type 30 had a rounded bird's head pommel, contoured wrap around wood grips secured by screws and oval washers, the crossguard had a hook and the bright blade had a fuller. During the 1930's the blades began to be blued. The first modification was the removal of the hook from the crossguard. Next the grips were changed to flat sided contoured grips fastened with rivets instead of screws. The bird's head pommel went from round to flat, later being changed to rectangular. The blade fuller was the next change, being omitted. This particular "National Denki" is a late war series 88 bayonet. The serial number is 63631, making this Type 30 a variation P, the most common Matsushita bayonet without the Tokyo arsenal mark on the blade. This one has an overall length of 19 15/16", making it 1/8" shorter than standard. The edge has been sharpened, having been done after the war. The blade length is 15 1/2", 1/8" shorter than the standard length. The scabbard that came with this bayonet is the metal tubular tipped scabbard measuring 16 1/4" in length. The muzzle ring measures 9/16". The bayonet is in very good condition. The blued, unfullered blade is very clean, not pitting at all! The bluing is mint on the crossguard, pommel and tang. The blade is 80% blue, except where the edge has been sharpened. The obverse side of the blade has a crisp Matsushita stamp you can clearly see. The straight wood grips are in excellent condition, flawless! They are retained by two rivets with two round washers in the right grip and two round washers in the left grip. There is Japanese writing in white paint on the tang. The metal scabbard is in matching condition. There are two small scuffs on the bottom of the scabbard near the tip, and one small spot of white paint in the same area. Other than that, it to is flawless. This is an uncommon bayonet according to Raymond Labar's book, "Bayonets of Japan". If you collect WWII Japanese items take a good look at this one!

Item # AA1168

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