Extremely Rare Japanese Type 100 Paratrooper Bayonet

Description

2/25/26- For sale is an extremely rare Japanese Type 100 paratrooper bayonet. Referred to in the Labar book as a "Test Type 1 knife" and designated under LB-234, this bayonet variation is rated an 8/10 on the rarity scale. The bayonet has similar general characteristics to the common Japanese Type 30 bayonet but the scabbard and blade are both manufactured at a much shorter length, rather than being a field-shortened example like are sometimes found. This bayonet will fit a Japanese Type 2 paratrooper rifle or a Type 100 submachine gun, but evidence has also emerged that these bayonets were sometimes issued to troops armed with the standard Type 99 rifle, indicating it may be more like a specialist combat knife than a purely submachine gun bayonet. 

The blade on this bayonet is beautifully blued, meaning it must have been reblued at some point. The blade has a notable edge, likely indicating some sharpening. There is no other damage or notable marking to the blade. The wooden handle has mild wear but no deep scrapes or cracking. The back of the metal on the tang is marked with the Nagoya district inspection mark and the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works manufacturer mark. The pommel is serialized 2489. The scabbard has light wear and patina but only very minimal denting or bending. The leather frog has mild aging and wear but is fully intact and flexible. All frog stitching is intact. Overall in excellent condition.