Japanese Type 30 bayonet- Jinsen/ Korean

[Midmichigun]

Guys,
I posted this bayo here, in hopes of getting some thoughts and comments on it.

I just picked up this Type 30 bayonet, which sources say is a Jinsen manufactured bayonet for Imperial Japan, while it occupied Korea.

Arsenal marking:



The above photo shows some BIG time damage to the wood. I am debating on leaving as is... or repairing/ replacing the wood. Before everyone gets up in arms... it does indeed appear to be older damage, as in not recently judging from the dirt and grime in the wood. You kinda wonder what type of story is behing it... a simple drop on rock... or some other far flung tale!
Anyways, here is the serial number:

There appears to be an additional mark, but I can't be sure its not just another blemish...

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated... BTW, how common are the Jinsen bayos? As you can appreciate, I see more Tokyo's.....

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Aragorn243]

Shame about the handle. Not sure what to recommend there. You could possibly do a splice repair, leaving the wood that is in place alone and attaching filler pieces on each side. That would minimize the change but a change is a change. A lot of guys would just tell you to leave it alone so that's going to have to be a choice you make on your own.

Sorry I can't help you with rarity. I don't pay that close attention to that as I'm generally only looking for type, not manufacturer and the common ones suit me just fine.

[diss0lutus]

I'm pretty sure I read that Jinsen bayonets are much more common than their rifles, but don't quote me on that.

[Midmichigun]

Guys,
Thanks for the comments... I am also a "common" Bayonet buff. I simply can't afford the $$ ones. This caught my eye due to the price... and heck... its another Japanese bayo to fit into the collection. Problem is that now I need to get a rifle to match!
As to the grip, its a 50/50 deal. Someone will complain if I fix it... or if I fix it too well ( would be called a faker)... or leave it as original and have people tell me how much better their junk is!

I am sure I can make the wood grips pretty close to what they should be, with the exception of the rivets looking altered...

I have also seen a Japanese Bayonet with acryllic (?) scales! I was tempted to offer dirt for it, and "restore" that... but at some level you are better saving your money for something better.

For now I will probably look for a reproduction scabbard and frog... grease it up and see what happens!