Synopsis:
Scarce last ditch Japanese Arisaka Type 99 rifle made by Tokyo Arsenal with an INTACT MUM, matching receiver and bolt, near mirror bore and correct manual mechanics. Guaranteed to be one of the ugliest guns in your collection!
Description:
Japanese Arisaka Type 99 bolt-action rifle, SN: 50645, cal. 7.7×58mm Arisaka, made by Tokyo Arsenal with matching bolt in late-war “last-ditch” configuration with an intact mum. Last ditch features include an abbreviated handguard, simplified barrel band arrangement with no provision for cleaning rod, fixed rear sight, crudely "hacked-out" stock with simplified cross bolt, and a wood buttplate secured by nails. Metal components with very coarse wartime machining and utilitarian finish, particularly as concerns the trigger guard and magazine floorplate. “Last-ditch” denotes rifles produced at the end of World War II using simplified construction and reduced finish to conserve materials and speed production. An intriguing example of late World War II Japanese infantry rifle manufacture.
Condition:
VG original finish with thinning and oxidation as so often present in the Japanese rifles that were made and used in a humid climate. Stock with scattered handling marks and bruises, the right side of the buttstock with a large added Japanese character. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Correct manual mechanics. Although the rifle was crudely manufactured with thin blue and handling marks, for its type, a true "last ditch," it is a very nice specimen!