Japanese Paratrooper Bayonet

[Fort Susquehann]

Just found in a barn. The owner knew nothing about it. I'd like opinions.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/128395...7648383026759/

[gunto]

Its a cut down bayonet ,not paratrooper.

[HAF]

Its a cut down bayonet ,not paratrooper.

yes ,realy interesting when it was done.

[Rod G]

Just a curiosity now, sadly the frog is too far gone to have much value either.

Best, Rod

[Jareth]

I agree. Very little overall value

[reeder3]

its a cut down bayonet ,not paratrooper.

+1

[Stu W]

At this link you will find photos of the real thing.

http://lvstrings.com/bayonet/SPB.htm

Regards,
Stu

[Jareth]

Stu, that is a rare variation of the paratrooper bayonet called a special purpose. Here's a typical variation. http://www.rockislandauction.com/vie...aid/60/lid/619

[Stu W]

Stu, that is a rare variation of the paratrooper bayonet called a special purpose. Here's a typical variation. http://www.rockislandauction.com/vie...aid/60/lid/619

OK, thanks. I have found that site to have lots of examples. I'll go back and have another look.

Regards,
Stu

[Fort Susquehann]

Who made it and what for?

I found one other example of this on line (can't find it now). It is definitely period-made, and the frog has been on there for forever. Who made it and what was its purpose?

[reeder3]

The paratrooper bayonet will be marked on the spine of the handle with the TALW makers marks iirc. The fuller stops short of the tip. The special purpose bayonet was factory cutdown from the paratrooper bayonet so it will have the same markings. It was not cut so crudely like the one depicted below. The scabbard also almost looks like a scabbard from a hitler youth knife.

IFF the bayonet below is period shortened, I imagine it would have been cutdown as it was bulky. However, if it was sold to you as a paratrooper bayonet I'm afraid the seller was trying to get more for it and most likely ground it down recently. As someone stated earlier, although an interesting piece for discussion, it has little monetary value.

[Jareth]

We will never know for sure other then NOT by the Japanese. Likely G.I. Or post war Bubba

[Fort Susquehann]

Not Bubba

I don't think this was done by Bubba. The blade grinding was done too nicely. The upper edge is razor sharp and the edge is machine straight. The scabbard is also very well done and is painted in that light pea green I have seen some equipment painted with over the years. My gut feeling is it was done by a professional armorer.

It was not sold to me as a Paratrooper blade- it came out of a barn as an "old knife." I was the one who thought it was a Paratrooper bayonet. I like it and will keep it in the collection.

[Jareth]

Really ? A professional armorer ! Not the way that blade was ground & shaped & left un blued. Japanese scabbards are super easy to cut down. Unscrew band, remove internal throat, hack saw to desired length cutting from top then reassemble. The paint color I see is whitish not a shade of green I've ever seen. Not to beat a dead horse but if your happy with it that's all that matters

[gunto]

Really ? A professional armorer ! Not the way that blade was ground & shaped & left un blued. Japanese scabbards are super easy to cut down. Unscrew band, remove internal throat, hack saw to desired length cutting from top then reassemble. The paint color I see is whitish not a shade of green I've ever seen. Not to beat a dead horse but if your happy with it that's all that matters