WWII Japanese Army Arisaka Last Ditch Bayonet -
At the end of WWII, when American soldiers returned home, they came back with a whole host of war souvenirs. Samurai swords, medals, uniforms, helmets, and many more things were brought home with them. Japanese military collectibles from WWII have gained popularity over the years.

This style of bayonet is commonly known as the "Last-ditch".

The following is a rare and fine example of a WWII era Japanese wooden scabbard bayonet. Wooden scabbrds did not come about until late war. As the fighting approached home and the naval choke hold of the islands was started, the military was running out of raw materials and was forced to improvise by building equipment from whatever was available. The condition of the blade of this item indicates that it was possible never was issued.

The scabbard is a two piece construction tied together by tightly wound string. Another interesting aspect of its construction is the square metal tip. The author has seen a bayonet of similar construction with the exception of having a pointed tip that closely ressembled the shape of the blade tip.

The picture on the left (below) shows the serial numbering found on the tip of the handle. While the picture on the right depicts the arsenal marking found at the base of the blade of the bayonet.