A very presentable early Japanese Arisaka Type 30 bayonet complete with its leather frog. These bayonets were produced from 1897 through to the end of the second world war and were issued with several Arisaka rifle types including the Type 30, Type 38 and Type 99. This example is the earlier style featuring the strongly curved hooked quillon and comes complete with its correct leather frog. The bayonet displays very well throughout and remains a very attractive and collectible example, particularly as it retains its frog and an excellent unsharpened blade.

Blade
The blade is in excellent condition, remaining bright with a clean finish. Importantly, the blade appears to be unsharpened, which is a bonus to find on these bayonets. The blade retains a fine, well-defined tip and shows only minor signs of age and use. The blade is fullered on both sides as expected for this model. On the ricasso is the Kokura Arsenal “stacked cannonball” mark, with a small inspection stamp positioned beneath.

Hilt & Grips
The hilt retains a fine set of wooden grips which remain solid and well fitted to both the crossguard and pommel. The grips are secured with the correct two screw bolts with oval washers. There appears to be a set of lines carved into the rear grip, likely a period personalisation or soldier mark, visible in the photographs. The crossguard features the muzzle ring and strongly curved hooked quillon, confirming this as an earlier production example. Both the crossguard and pommel retain the majority of their original blued finish. The rifle retaining button remains fully functional. On the top of the pommel is the serial number 17891555, with two small inspection stamps located beneath.

Scabbard
The steel scabbard retains the majority of its original bluing and remains in good overall condition. There are areas of pitted rust present, with the most noticeable section located beneath the frog on the front of the scabbard and another area to the centre of the rear. Despite this, the scabbard still displays well and pairs nicely with the bayonet.

Frog
The bayonet is accompanied an original Japanese leather frog, pre 1938 made, identifiable by the buckle arrangement. The leather shows expected age and wear, and the securing tab that passes through the scabbard and fastens to the buckle has split, a common occurrence on these frogs. Importantly, the frog remains structurally sound with all stitching still present and tight. The rear of the frog displays several Japanese markings including the Kokura arsenal mark, which is a nice pairing with the bayonet maker. The fit between frog and scabbard is excellent.

Overall
A very attractive early Type 30 Arisaka bayonet featuring the desirable hooked quillon and complete with an original leather frog. The bayonet displays honest service wear with an excellent bright blade that remains unsharpened, strong original bluing to the hilt, and a well-fitting frog with Japanese markings. A very presentable and collectible example.

Historical Note
The Type 30 bayonet was introduced in 1897 and remained the primary Japanese bayonet design through both the early twentieth century and the Second World War. It was issued with several Arisaka rifle types and saw service across numerous conflicts including the Russo-Japanese War, the First World War, and the Pacific campaigns of the Second World War. Earlier examples such as this, with their strongly curved hooked quillon and higher quality finish, are particularly sought after by collectors today.

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