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LOT 405
World War II Japanese Kokura Arsenal Type 97 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Scope and
Case - Serial no. 2099, 6.5 mm Japanese cal., 31 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood stock. Approximately 8,000 Type 97 sniper rifles were manufactured at Kokura Arsenal and 14,500 at Nagoya Arsenal between 1938-1943. A scope-equipped variant of the Type 38 service rifle, the Type 97 was one of Imperial Japan’s go-to sniper weapons for World War II and gained great infamy during the “island hopping” campaign in the Pacific. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights. The receiver markings are properly offset to accommodate the scope base, with a slightly defaced imperial mum above Type 97 markings on top of the receiver ring. Fitted with a dust cover, monopod and leather sling. The bolt and dust cover are both matching numbered “099” to the rifle. The top of the scope tube is marked “2.5X10” above a star logo and “No. 20840”. Includes a correct rubberized canvas scope case with leather fittings and a muzzle cap.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% original blue finish with some light freckling/surface corrosion. Stock is also very fine with scattered dings and scratches appropriate for period field use. Mechanically excellent. Scope is very fine with 85% original black painted finish with some flaking, partly absent deteriorating rubber eye piece, and crisp clear optics with a well- defined reticle. Scope case is fine.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
Fine World War II Imperial Japanese Nagoya Arsenal Type 2 Bolt Action Paratrooper Rifle - Serial no. 15165, 7.7 mm Japanese cal., 26 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood stock. Designed as a takedown version of the standard Type 99 Arisaka bolt action service rifle for use by Imperial Japanese Army paratroopers, utilizing a screw wedge on the right side to allow the barrel and forend section to separate from the action and stock section. Features fixed winged blade front sight and folding rear sight with anti-aircraft wings, a retained mum with two added strike lines on top of the receiver, smooth pistol grip stock with cupped buttplate, partial matching serial number “165” marked on the bottom of the bayonet lug, bottom of the barrel lug, bolt and its components, along with “603” assembly number on various components. CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% original blue finish with scattered patches of smooth brown patina and spotting, and various rough cast components. Stock is also fine with some scattered light scratches and dents and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 407
Desirable Japanese Nagoya Arsenal Single Digit Serial Number 3 Series 2 Type 44 Bolt Action Carbine with Folding Bayonet - Serial no. 3, 6.5 mm Japanese cal., 19 1/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood stock. This is an exceptional example of a Type 44 Calvary carbine that was manufactured by the Nagoya Arsenal, bearing serial number 3 as part of the second production series of 99,999 guns made by Nagoya. Type 44 carbines were manufactured by the Tokyo Arsenal, Koishikawa Arsenal, Kokura Arsenal and Nagoya Arsenal. It has the second series marking to the left of the serial number “3” and the Nagoya Arsenal marking with an inspection stamp after. The top of the chamber has a beautiful unground Imperial Japanese Chrysanthemum over the kana markings for Type 44. Matching serial number “3” visible on various components, with “58” on the floorplate release button. The matching bolt body is the early polished version with a plum shaped handle. It has the standard short staff rear sight and the fixed inverted “v” front sight with guards, with the triangular shaped spike bayonet. It has the original Type 44 pistol grip stock, left side mounted sling swivels, with a flat butt containing a small storage compartment for the included two-piece cleaning rod. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% original blue finish with some scattered light freckling and patches of light pitting mostly concentrated on the floorplate and trigger guard. Stock is fine with numerous scattered scratches, dents and scruffs. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 406
LOT 408
376
Very Fine Katana-Length Japanese Blade with Shirasaya Fittings and NTHK Inspection Paperwork - Included with this blade is a NTHK “origami” certificate, which has assessed the blade at a rank of “Important”, and attributes the work to a smith named Bungo Masayasu. Research shows Masayasu as an Owari Seki school smith active 1661-1673. The overall length is 34 inches, with a 25 1/2 inch long live edge, showing attractive metal grain and a strong, wavy hamon. Bright steel continues for about 2 inches past the upper edge of the habaki, with a brown patina on the remainder of the tang, which shows two mekugi-ana and a six-figure signature on the left side. With a set of shirasaya mounts. CONDITION: Very fine overall, showing a small amount of spotting and nicking on the bright, in polish blade. The fittings are also very fine, with an undersized replacement mekugi. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250