Arisaka Type 38

Description

This highly collectable WW2 Type 38 Arisaka with intact MUM is in magnificent condition with the usual battlefield knocks to the wood & uniquely, has the insignia for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) burned into the stock, along with another two (2) Japanese Kanji symbols also burned into the stock on the other side. This was almost certainly done by a bored Japanese Marine on some island in the Pacific whilst waiting the US invasion & the chance to die gloriously for the Emperor. We as collectors are always told buy the rifle & not the story but this rifle tells a real story just to look at & there is an actual story to this gun. Recently purchased from a deceased estate in the US, the story from the family goes like this...Grandpa was a US Marine & captured this in the pacific before having it shipped home (as US servicemen were able to do). Unlike most, this story actually could be true as this unique rifle has all the hallmarks of being captured rather than one that was just acquired after the Japanese surrender. The condition is great as can be seen in the photos & the desirable Emperor’s Chrysanthemum (MUM) intact, which as you know is a rare thing. It is common knowledge that at the end of the war, all surrendered Japanese rifles had the MUM either ground, scrubbed or somehow defaced lending credence to the family's story that this is highly likely a battlefield capture. Comes with original cleaning rod. Manufactured by the Toyo Kogyo Arsenal under supervision of the Nagoya arsenal. Toyo Kogyo is near Hiroshima & did not produce Arisaka rifles until Series 30 so not many at all. Strangely, the series marking to the left of the S/N does not match any known series marking. This interesting & genuinely collectable rifle would be a great addition for any serious collector who wants a rifle with a personalised history & may well have belonged to a Japanese Marine & not just a Japanese rifle. The bore is great with very defined rifling so definitely a shooter! The muzzle will not accept a Norma 6.5 Jap round showing the barrel is still tight & not worn but of course will chamber a 6.5 Jap round. 6.5mm Jap ammo is available for this rifle if collected from the shop. Make your decision based on what you see, so please view the photos carefully as they form the main description & override all written information so ask for more if desired. Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & these are sold on an as is basis. As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting. Call for shipping cost to your dealer.

Specifications