VERY RARE WW2 JAPANESE TYPE 100 PARATROOPER BAYONET W/ FROG
Item History & Price
Here's a rather scarce blade for the military collector. This is a guaranteed original WWII Japanese Test Type 100 knife/bayonet, complete with issued frog and scabbard. Long referred to as the Type 100 “paratrooper” bayonet, these knives were issued to Japanese paratroopers and the 1st Japanese Army Ranger Force (Dai-ichi Rikugun Teishin-dan) during WWII. They were intended primarily as a side carry knife but would easily double as a bayonet. These knives were manufactured by Toya...da Jido Shokki Seisakusho (Toyada Automatic Loom Works or “TALW”). The blued fullered blade measures 7-13/16" and the overall length is approximately 12-1/4". The TALW mark is located on the upper surface of the tang. The pommel is marked with the serial number (5945) and the Nagoya inspector's mark. The contoured wood grip panels are fastened with two screws running through oval washers. The blued steel scabbard is of the correct configuration with ball tip and comes with original frog.Overall condition is very good. The blade retains most of its original blue finish. The blade has been very lightly sharpened and there are some fine scratches visible in the finish. There is one tiny spot of corrosion at the tip of the blade on the right side but no chips or dings in the edge and the blade is straight. The grips show some wear with various dings and small marks, but are free of cracks or chips. The cross guard, tang metal, and pommel show some patina but no deep pitting. The bayonet catch is in good working order. The scabbard is in very good shape, retaining most of its finish, and free of dents or corrosion. The frog is in good condition but does show age with scratches and partial tear through the retaining strap. The rivets and stitching are tight. The blade fits perfectly snug in the scabbard.This Japanese blade is one of the most sought after WWII military knives and is highly prized by collectors. A nice honest example! The condition can’t be beat.
