Original WWII Japanese Bayonet Nagoya Diamond Low Serial Number

Description

For sale today is an original WW2 Japanese type 30 bayonet. This type of bayonet was used with the Arisaka Type 30 rifle, as well as the Type 38 and Type 99 rifles.
The ricasso of the blade has the markings for the Riken Kozai KK Arsenal, which is known as the “Nagoya Diamond”. This is one of the rarest makers of type 30 bayonets with only 250,000 produced. The pommel is marked with the hiragana “ろへ” (Ro He) and the numbers “19718”. Historian Francis C. Allan (An expert in Japanese weaponry) compiled a list of WW2 Japanese bayonet makers, series, and known low and high serial numbers for each series. He backed up his research with sources from other expert historians such as Larry Johnson, Jerry L. Price, and Raymond C. LaBar. He found that the lowest known Nagoya Diamond Ro He serial number was 21163, meaning this bayonet has a lower serial number (19718) that any previously known examples. (A copy of Francis C. Allan’s list and sources can be found at banzaionline.com under the link “Bayonet Manufacturers Logos”) Under the serial number is the small 東 (Higashi) inspection stamp. The straight cross guard indicates this was a mid war production bayonet. The original wood grips are present and have only minor signs of wear. The press catch is also present and works properly. The muzzle ring is unbent and fits perfectly on my Type 38. When one takes into account the rarity of the maker and serial number, this bayonet becomes a must have for any WW2 and/or bayonet collection.
This item cannot be shipped outside of the United States.
Thank you for looking at my listing, and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.