JAPANESE "LAST DITCH" BAYONET/WOODEN SCABBARD?

[bldrhouse]

I just picked this up but am dubious about the scabbard due to it's condition. Seller also claims the small stampings mean more than they seem to say.

Your take?

 

"WWII JAPANESE LAST DITCH BAYONET & WOOD SHEATH WITH LEATHER FROG Last ditch bayonet and bamboo sheath. The right ricasso is marked “TOYODA JIDOSHOKI SEISAKUSHO” (Toyoda Automatic Loom Works Ltd.)under NAGOYA supervision.The bayonet has most of the bluing, a very good edge and tip. The metal handle area on one side has minor wear and the other has more wear with dark patina. The button works fine and the end of the handle has serial number. The wood has some minor wear. No cracks in the sheath. Some minor surface wear. Strong stitching and thick, soft, pliable leather. No cracks or tears. Some dark stains from the hardware. It had a protective layer of a leather preservative on the leather which I wiped off to take pictures. Likely post war frog. Minor wear on metal pieces"

 

Pls see attached images and in following posts

 

what appears to be glue on this image of the tip (shiny bit under metal)..

 

Thanks!

 

zk

[bldrhouse]

the markings on ricasso that seller says are: The right ricasso is marked “TOYODA JIDOSHOKI SEISAKUSHO” (Toyoda Automatic Loom Works Ltd.)under NAGOYA supervision.

[bldrhouse]

one more: stitching on the scabbard. seems pristine...

[bldrhouse]

NO IDEAS?

 

Z

[Bob Hudson]

with that contoured grip, I wouldn't call it "last ditch" - maybe "transistional?"

[bldrhouse]

Bob, thanks; my concern was the scabbard itself. Looks too good...?

[SARGE]

Here is my take on the bayonet from the photos. I see several inconsistencies that I call "red flags" or "strikes".

 

First, red flag is that the frog does appear to be a reproduction from what I can see in the photo. Second, The condition of the bayonet hilt, particularly the pitted pommel and the damaged wooden grips does not match the pristine condition of the scabbard. This makes me think the scabbard has been paired with this bayonet and did not come with it. Third, the scabbard appears new or at the very least refinished. As you point out, you can see where the tin tip has been glued on. The scabbard has a new coat of paint over everything and the screw at the throat shows signs of removal.

 

Three strikes and you are out with me. This bayonet would not be one for my collection.

 

I hope this is helpful.

[bldrhouse]

Thanks so much; took me a while to come to that unfortunate decision, but your reflections confirmed my own thoughts.

 

zk