April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
Extremely fine specimen of the Japanese Type 96 light machine gun as manufactured by Kokura in 1939, August. Visible serial numbers appear matching on barrel, receiver, lower assembly, charging handle, dust cover, and buffer, as well as barrel latch and safety. Accessories include one original 30 round magazine and an original 2.5x13 scope manufactured by Toko, as well as spare barrel serial number 40690 manufactured in 1940, August; bayonet and rifleman's leather belt pouch. Bipod and muzzle cover also present. The Japanese Type 96 machine gun bears a striking resemblance to the ZB26 machine gun. It fires an open bolt and was an effective full auto only automatic rifle. With practiced trigger control, the firer can squeeze off individual shots. The adjustable gas port was intended to defeat the problem of fouling, which it did, but soldiers also found that it could adjust the rate of fire. This model was preferred over the Type 11, which required oiling of the cartridges as they passed through the feed hopper. Japanese soldiers even preferred it over the later Type 99 Model due to its lighter recoil and convenience of removing the barrel by way of a lever. American veterans this cataloger has spoken to in past years stated "Wish our BAR had a 30 round magazine like the Jap Nambu machine guns did". CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine to very fine as brought back by veteran William H. Woodin from Burma who related that he acquired it in trade for a carton of cigarettes at the time. Very fine original smooth blue finish on metal parts with some wear at points turning to a grey patina at the high edges, and starting to fade to brown in some areas; lower assembly's metal furnishings, particularly the buttplate turning a brown patina. Barrel in gun has shiny lands, turning dark in the grooves. Bolt face is very fine. Mechanics are fine. Spare barrel bore somewhat darker but with distinct rifling. Optics are clear but could use a cleaning. Bayonet is fine. Belt pouch extremely fine leather with one strap parted and not present, and the belt straps somewhat chewed at the ends, probably by some rodent, yet still serviceable. It is a rare occurrence when a matching veteran bring-back such as this example surfaces. Knowing where and how this specimen was acquired only enhances the mystique of this machine gun. From the estate of noted cartridge collector and World War II veteran William H. Woodin. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO & RELIC ELIGIBLE.
Accessories
Magazine, Extra Barrel, Bayonet, Belt Box