GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
EXTREMELY RARE MUKDEN MANUFACTURED JAPANESE TYPE 96 LIGHT MACHINE GUN (C&R).JAPANESETYPE 96301916.5JAPMODERN; NFA; C&RCal. 6.5 JAP. 24" bbl. Japanese Type 96 machine gun originally manufactured by Mukden in September 1938. Subsequently it went through a Japanese military re-fit which changed the knife latch type bbl retention system to the improved wedge type retaining system as seen on the Japanese Type 99 Model. This retrofit was carried out on a number of Type 96 guns in the latter part of WWII. This gun includes one adapted German MG15 magazine which fits perfectly into the magazine well. External SNs do not match. Buffer and lower assemblies do not match receiver number. Operating piston does match, bolt does not. Lower assembly and bolt are within a few SNs of each other. Lower assembly retaining wedge not present. Muzzle flash hider not present. Hole has been drilled on right side of receiver at top front of magazine well, apparently for pin to retain insert for adapted magazine. Bbl does not match receiver SN. It often occurred in the field when guns were dis-assembled for cleaning that parts would be inadvertently swapped out. It was also common practice for Japanese armorers to use whatever parts were available when servicing guns. This is a National Firearms Act item and requires BATF approval prior to transfer. This weapon is fully transferable on an ATF form 3 or 4 as Curio & Relic eligible. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is very good with a mixture of orig and refinished parts with some scattered pitting visible on lower assembly and on magazine cover as well as some significant scale and pitting on buttplate. Not unusual considering the part of the world in which these guns were employed, the climatic conditions, and rigors of military life in the field. Bolt has a couple of scallop marks about an inch to the rear of the face on the top which does not in any way affect serviceability. Magazine well has been professional and expertly fitted with a permanent insert at the front which acts as a tab in which a corresponding window in the front of the MG 15 magazine fits into. Bright shiny bore. Mechanics are fine. Wood has a couple of chips and gouges and has been refinished but still the overall presentation and appearance of this machine gun is very good. Scarce manufacturer and rare late-war bbl attachment configuration make this a desirable variation for the Japanese machine gun collector. 52525-2 JWK72 (8,500-12,500)