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LOT 405
Japanese Type 89 “Knee Mortar” Infantry Grenade
Launcher, Class III/NFA Destructive Device - Serial no. 23030, 50 mm cal., 9 1/2 inch round bbl., blue
finish. Developed as an interim step between a hand-thrown grenade and a full sized crewed mortar, the
Type 89 could be carried by a regular infantryman along with their standard kit. While not as stable and
precise as the Stokes-pattern mortars used by the Americans, the Knee Mortar could be brought into action
very quickly in an emergency, and still used from prepared positions when time permitted. Matching numbers
on the tube, endcap, firing mechanism, shaft and baseplate, with the firing mechanism graduated out to 650 yards and
a spring loaded canvas dust cover.
CONDITION: Good overall, with traces of the original blue finish, showing a mixed brown and gray patina, some pitting
concentrated on the baseplate, and some replaced screws. Some tool marks are present on the endcap
and shaft. The dust cover shows some staining and wear. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This Destructive
Device is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR
part 479, National Firearms Act.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 404
Very Scarce Japanese Type 99 Mark 1 20 Millimeter Aircraft Autocannon, Class III/NFA C&R Fully
Transferable Machine Gun - Serial no. 528, 20 mm cal., 28 3/4 inch round bbl., matte black finish, synthetic
stock. Developed in the 1930s, the Type 99 was the go-to 20mm autocannon for Japanese military aircraft, serving as the wing guns, flexible mounts and powered
turret mounts on a number of Japanese fighters and bombers, including the A6M “Zero” carrier-launched fighter of Pearl Harbor fame. Like many combatants on both sides
of the Axis/Allies divide, the Japanese design directly follows the pattern established by the Oerlikon autocannon, using an advanced primer ignition (API) mechanism to
reduce the amount of breech locking needed to fire the potent 20mm cannon round while also permitting a high rate of fire. This Mark 1 cannon is configured for the flexible
defensive mount role, with the mounting point for the (not included) ammo drum on the underside to keep it out of the gunner’s line of sight, and an ejector port on top which can be equipped with a
shroud (not included) to direct the spent casings to the shooter’s right. A heat shield assembly protects the back half of the barrel, the recoil spring, and the bolt extensions, with a ratcheting hand-
cracked charging mechanism on the right side. The left side of the trigger housing bears the Japanese model nomenclature, with dual pistol grips and a detachable buttpad. Sights absent.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 85% original black finish, showing areas of wear and spotting along with some light handing marks. Mechanically needs adjustment, as the bolt is currently stuck in
the closed position. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is
classified as a “Curios or Relic” as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
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