pre WW2 Type 30 Japanese WWII japan knife dagger prototype model EARLY

Description

antique original world war two WW2
Type 30 Japanese WWII Rifle Bayonet
earliest production example - no Arsenal mark on the blade
' M ' stamped on the pommel
it has all the features of an early-war manufactured bayonet - blued blade, metal scabbard, and hilt; full fullers on blade , 'bird head' pommel; early screw grip fasteners on the contoured wooden grips, and the early style crossguard
a pre-production
prototype model
with a four digit serial number on the cross guard and a large letter 'M' stamped on the pommel
- these are said to be the very first , of the production type 30 bayonet ,
very scarce
you just wont find one of these at the local gun show ,
the scarcest variation of all type 30 bayonets ,--
and one of the KEY bayonets of any collection
decent over all condition ,
the blued blade shows use ,....and there are some slight old rust marks near the front of the blade,
the hilt shows just minor wear ....no pitting
the wooden grips have a few dings , but were never sanded down or messed with --
i doubt that you will find one of these prototype bayonets in better condition--
{if you ever find one again ,...in any condition }
the sheath is clean and smooth -no dents at all ,...
the ball at the tip of the sheath has been slightly flattened - on either side ,... { i'll bet it was made this way }
--- one of the hardest Japanese bayonets find ---
don't pass it up !
a must have for all advanced bayonet collections !