This is a Japanese Type 30 bayonet produced at the Matsushita Kinzoku KK Arsenal throughout the 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", a mid war production piece, has a bright blade. The serial number is 16737, making this Type 30 a variation P. This one has an overall length of 20". The blade length is 15 9/16". The scabbard that came with this bayonet is a wooden scabbard with metal throat and large metal tip. The muzzle ring measures 9/16". The bayonet is in good condition. The bright, non fuller blade shows has no pitting. There is still a light coating of grease on the bade. The finish is good on the crossguard, pommel and tang. The obverse side of the blade has a legible Matsushita Arsenal stamp. The straight wood grips are in good condition. They are retained by two rivets in the straight grips. This is an uncommon Matsushita bayonet without the Tokyo arsenal mark on the blade. According to Raymond Labar's book, "Bayonets of Japan", this could be an arsenal rework. If you collect WWII Japanese items take a good look at this one!

Item # AA1773

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