October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Extremely fine specimen Original Japanese Type 99 light machine gun as manufactured by Hitachi in 1944, June. Serial number indicates this gun would have likely been used on IWO JIMA, and it has very interesting battlefield use indicators. Visible serial numbers appear matching on barrel, receiver, and lower assembly. Bolt is number 14104. Flash hider is a Langley reproduction. Tiny “Fleming Firearms” markings on top of receiver and so indicated in registry as Model “196”. The Japanese Type 99 machine gun bears a striking resemblance to the ZB26 machine gun and was the “improved” model of the Type 96. The type 99 fires the more powerful 7.7x58mm Japanese rimless service cartridge and utilized an improved wedge and nut barrel attachment system. It fires from 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. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is very fine original finish thinning at the gas cylinder and bipod legs, as well at the right side of receiver. Carrying handle has clear indication of a frontal bullet strike at an angle which indicates it would have continued to strike the firer. There is a corresponding area of light blood corrosion on right side of receiver which indicates the projectile founds its mark. Mechanics are fine. Bore is very fine, shiny and bright. Bolt face is fine. Wood has typical light dings and handling marks. A particularly interesting Japanese machine gun which should appeal to the World War II collector. Very glad it is available as a fully transferable gun. 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. JWK 2019-10-51
Caliber/Bore
7.7mm Japanese