December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2022
Originally manufactured as a standard configuration Type 38 rifle, this example was subsequently taken from existing stores and converted into a Type 38 short rifle (Cavalry Carbine amongst collectors) at the Chigusa factory of Nagoya arsenal between 1940-1945. The conversion consisted of shortening the barrel to 25" in length, stepping the barrel towards the muzzle to accompany the forward barrel band, fitting the rifle with a shortened stock, as well as adding a new upper handguard. Remaining components are interchangeable from standard Type 38 production. Given how the rifles were randomly pulled from stores, it is unknown how many examples were converted. This example is stamped with the serial number followed by the Koishikawa/Kokura arsenal insignia on the left hand side of the receiver, with the top of the receiver bearing Kanji characters denoting the model designation (Type 38). Chrysanthemum has been ground and retains a layer of what appears to be lacquer or varnish over the grounded area to protect the metal. Underside of buttstock bears a Chigusa inspection proof. Metal components are blued, with the 2-piece stock and upper handguard being comprised of solid wood. Serial and assembly numbers are mismatched, with the bolt body and firing pin numbers matching. Additional features include a shortened cleaning rod, underside mounted sling swivels, as well as a Type 38 rifle pattern rear sight ladder. CONDITION: Metal components retain the majority of their arsenal reapplied blue finish, exhibiting some areas of wear showing through to gray patina, some inactive pitting, as well as some spots of pitting present beneath the bluing. Bore exhibits pitting and fair rifling throughout. Stock bears scattered marks and impressions from storage and handling, but is otherwise sturdy and serviceable. A nice example of a scarce Type 38 short rifle. From the Personal Collection of Esteemed Firearms Researcher and Collector Edwin F. Libby. MLW
Caliber/Bore
6.5x50mmSR Arisaka