Japanese Military Knife Appraisal

Japanese Type 30 Arisaka Bayonet (Muzzle Ring and Ricasso Section with Kokura Arsenal Markings)

This item is the ricasso and guard area of what appears to be a Japanese Type 30 Arisaka Bayonet, specifically designed for use with the Arisaka rifle series. The material is a dark, presumably blued or patinated steel, exhibiting a matte finish with visible signs of wear and surface oxidation consistent with age and military use. The visible section includes a portion of the crossguard with a prominent muzzle ring, which is a key characteristic of the Type 30 bayonet, allowing it to be affixed over the rifle's barrel. The tang is broad and robust, typical for a combat bayonet. Crucially, stamped into the metal are markings, which include a series of kanji characters followed by numbers. While difficult to decipher fully from the image alone, the characters appear to be the 'stacked cannonballs' logo, which signifies manufacture by the Kokura Arsenal in Japan. Following this mark are the serial numbers, which clearly read '91831'. The stamping shows good depth and clarity, indicating original manufacture rather than a post-production alteration. The edges of the muzzle ring show some slight blunting and minor imperfections, consistent with handling and potential deployment. There is no significant evidence of severe damage like bends or major pitting, suggesting a reasonable state of preservation for a military artifact of this vintage. The overall robust construction and standardized markings are indicative of mass production for military purposes during the mid-20th century, specifically the WWII era.