Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

[cwbrel]

This was the first piece of Japanese weaponry that I actually got. My grandfather brought it back from the occupation and I have had it since the mid-80's (actually, my mother got it, but that was a technicality). I chose it out of his estate because of the hooked quillon as my other choice was straight. However, I have wonder over the years of the silver covering material was a GI add-on or what. Unlike some of his other pieces, there was no story about this one being painted, besides, the job was too good for the boys (i.e. my uncles) to have done with spray paint and there has been no flaking during my possession. It's a blued Nagoya and the serial number is somewhat obscured. The attachment mechanism works fine (which again argues against spray paint) and I have mounted it on several rifles as my 'test' item.













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Curtis

It's been referred to as an addiction. I can live with that.

[Francis C. Allan]

During the first years of the occupation Japanese gun shops still functioned. They were willing to modify souvenier weapons including plating, gold wash, enamelling etc. It is possible that this bayonet was treated in the same manner, but some type of silver paint was used.

The only other thing I can think of is that some very bored GIs got creative themselves.

Frank
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Francis C. Allan
20Courtney Place
Palm Coast, FL 32137

(386) 445-4225