Lot 178: Imperial Japanese Type 30 Bayonet and Metal Scabbard, Tokyo or Kokura Arsenal

An Imperial Japanese Type 30 bayonet, the standard-issue pattern for the Arisaka series of rifles. The bayonet features a long, single-edged steel blade with a fuller and a polished finish. It is fitted with a straight crossguard incorporating a muzzle ring. The hilt has two contoured wooden grip scales secured by screws and a bird’s head style pommel. The pommel includes the attachment slot and a functional spring-loaded locking button for mounting to a rifle. The ricasso of the blade bears several stamped markings: the right side shows a mark consisting of four small interlocking circles arranged in a square pattern, identifying production at the Tokyo or Kokura Arsenal. Above this is the Japanese character 上 (Jō), a standard inspection mark. To the right of the arsenal mark are smaller characters including 3Y, E, and B. The left side of the ricasso features a smaller stylized symbol. Accompanied by its original metal scabbard with a darkened finish and a ball-shaped tip, featuring a side-mounted stud for attachment to a frog.