jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
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Post by jhart06 on Nov 17, 2011 3:26:43 GMT
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Post by steelhound on Nov 17, 2011 4:30:31 GMT
OK, let me start off by saying that I don't know much about ID'ing antiques, but I have looked at some WWI-WWII bayonets and I think this might be a Japanese Arisaka Type 30 Bayonet. It looks right to me, but I'm not sure about that stamp at the base of the blade. EDIT - This is the Arisaka Type 30, Tokyo Arsenal Variation A. Found some verification: members.shaw.ca/nambuworld/bayonets.htmAnd if you click on the link under this type, takes you to a page that has one with the same markings: members.shaw.ca/nambuworld/t30btokyovara.htm |
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jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
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Post by jhart06 on Nov 17, 2011 4:47:32 GMT
That looks pretty well spot on actually... So I suppose I'm not ruining anythign priceless if I knock of the rust and make her look a bit younger?
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Post by steelhound on Nov 17, 2011 4:51:55 GMT
Oh, I don't think it's priceless, most bayonets I've seen don't sell for too much, and I could imagine that a lot of these came home with American GI's. You should do a search and see how much people are selling these for first, though. My understanding is that taking the rust off yourself greatly decreases the collector's value.
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jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
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Post by jhart06 on Nov 17, 2011 5:03:44 GMT
Yeah... Unless it's fairly costly, I won't worry about it. I tend to hoard anythign WWII I come across anyhow.. It's why I have a Russian mess kit with matchin serial numbers - or did.
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Post by rvhernandez on Nov 18, 2011 4:57:17 GMT
So I will second that and agree it's a WWII era Japanese Arisaka Type bayonet. Which arsenal it's from I'm not sure but you can easily look that up.
I was in hot pursuit for one years ago so I researched them and always kept an eye out for them. What I learned was this: there are many new reproductions that can be bought for around $75-$100 (with authentic looking markings and all). Legitimate sellers tell you they are modern reproductions. Some cheaper versions have weld marks at the hilt (where blade meets hilt)...you can find plenty of these cheap versions at gun shows and the like. Some vendors at gun shows don't even seem to be aware they aren't selling an original - or they're playing dumb.
Just because it has a lot of rust and wear appearance doesn't automatically mean it's the real deal. Need an expert eye to determine that. I've lost track of pricing for an original but my guess is that an authentic WWII Japanese bayonet could be around $200-$300, a bit more if in really good condition and you have a determined buyer who wants to fill out their collection.
Regarding cleaning it up: I would first get it evaluated by an expert. If it is real, ask the expert their opinion. Something as recent as a WWII item, you can go either way with "to clean or not to clean". I know if I bought an original in the condition that your bayonet looks, I would clean it up, treat the leather, and try to preserve as much as I can because it's not that old to keep the rust and all. A true older piece (>100 yrs old) you usually don't want to touch at all. But something as recent as WWII, in my opinion, is a personal call. But even cleaning should be done the right way with the right cleaning materials.
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