Original 19th Century Japanese Type 18 Murata Rifle Second Pattern Short Bayonet with Steel Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available: The Murata rifle (村田銃 Murata jyū) was was designed by Major Murata Tsuneyoshi, and was the first locally produced Japanese service rifle. It was adopted in 1880 as the Meiji Type 13 Murata single-shot rifle. The 13 referred to the adoption date, the year 13 in the Meiji period according to the Japanese calendar, and these were marked 十三 (juu-san / 13) on the receiver. This was Japan’s initial breech loading Rifle completely designed and manufactured since opening its borders to the Western World in the Victorian era. Superficial improvements such as components, bayonet lugs, and minor configurations led to the redesignation of the Type 13 to the Type 18 rifle in 1885, and these were marked 十八 (juu-hachi / 18) on the receiver instead.

Due to the changes in the bayonet lug and mounting system, the type 13 bayonet would not fit on the revised model, resulting in the type 18 bayonet. At 22 7/8″ inches long, it was shorter than the Type 13, but still quite long, with a tapered 18″ single edged blade with single fuller to each side. This proved cumbersome, so it was superseded by this, the SECOND Model, which has an 11″ un-fullered blade. The bayonet measured 15 1/2″ in overall length.

This example is in really nice condition showing much original dull blue finish on both bayonet and scabbard. Fitted with a hooked quillon and long bayonet catch spring inset into the wood grips. The only markings are Japanese numerals on the pommel of the grip, which read 一 六 〇, or 1 6 0.

A very hard to find Bayonet, ready to display!