Very scarce Japanese 1885 Murata 18 bayonet uncut with leather scabbard and frog

Description

Extremely Scarce: Only One Available
Murata 18 bayonet serial number 100652 with inspector's mark stamped at top of blade near hilt. Manufactured by the Tokyo Arsenal, this Murata Type 18
bayonet
was first
released together with
the Murata Type 18 rifle
(
村田銃
)
in 1885
. The bayonet is unique in that to prevent the bayonet from rotating on the muzzle, it has a key-way in the muzzle ring (see photograph). This is to accommodate the tapered key, approximately 3/16" wide and 7/8" long, attached to the left side of the barrel at the muzzle. The grips are smooth wood attached by two screws with oval nuts. The blade and the handle do not form a straight line; instead the blade is angled slightly downwards, presumably to insure that a bullet leaving the muzzle does not hit the bayonet. Bayonets were serial numbered to the rifle and have an Imperial mum on the quillion. The mum on this bayonet h
as been overlaid with five
successive
rings indicating that this bayonet was taken out of service. The blade is in good condition, with one small nick and some age staining in places. See photographs.
The bayonet comes with a stitched black leather scabbard, having a metal throat and tip. The leather is surprisingly good given it's 135 year old age. There is some denting and one crease but there are no holes. Also included is a frog in very good condition with all
stitching
intact. The frog is unmarked. See photographs for additional details.
A Murata 18 bayonet with these characteristics is listed on page 48 in LaBar's
Bayonets of Japan
as an LB -- 46, "Murata 18 Bayonet Taken-out-of-Service".
Details:
Serial Number:
100652
Estimated total serial number range for the Type 18 begins at 70,000 and ends at around 150,000 for a total production of 80,000 rifles and bayonets.
Inspector's mark stamped on the blade
Overall length 22 3/4" or 578 mm
Bright fullered blade 18 1/16" or 458 mm
Two screws in right grip, one securing leaf pommel
Bird's head pommel
Leather scabbard 18 1/2" or 470 mm
Comments: A faint chrysanthemum is found on the Type 18 with an over-stamp of five circles on the cross guard. No additional numbers are found to indicate its use for training. According to LaBar's
Bayonets of Japan
it is uncommon to find these without additional training serial numbers. This one was perhaps used for guard duty. The leather scabbard is standard issue.
Please examine the photographs closely and ask questions prior to purchase. Will send additional photographs via eBay messaging if desired. Returns will be accepted if the item you received is not as pictured in the photographs.