December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2023
Produced near the end of World War II by the Kokura Arsenal in Series 25, their final block of production. Rifle is standard for late war, last ditch Kokura production with simplified features and overall less polished production. 26" barrel chambered for 7.7x58mm with blade front sight and fixed aperture rear sight. Receiver displays an untouched chrysanthemum. Bolt is of late war pattern with simplified, non knurled safety knob. Rather crude hardwood stock with visible carving marks and characteristic wooden butt plate, discreetly duffle cut under the rear barrel band. Forward sling swivel retains an original Japanese cloth identification tag. CONDITION: Very good. Likely a bringback, this is a very fine example of a late war rifle. Metal displays an even gray patina with original machining marks visible throughout, as well as a few light scratches. Wood has some some moderate impressions as is to be expected on a martial arm, remaining very good overall. Especially fine, strong and bright bore. Mechanically fine. Identification tag shows some fading, the Kanji still partially legible. A fine addition to any military rifle collection.
CORRECTION: Photos updated.