May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Attractive Japanese Type 96 light machine gun as manufactured by Chuo Kogyo under the supervision of Kokura Arsenal in March 1939. Right side of the receiver has both the Kokura arsenal and Chuo Kogyo symbols followed by serial number and date code of "14.3" for 1939, March. The following small pieces are not present: sear safety bar and spring, lower assembly locking wedge, barrel retention latch knob, and bolt firing pin locking wedge and coil retention spring for same. Visible serial numbers are matching on: buffer, bolt, operating rod, barrel (dated 14.2), lower assembly and receiver. Gas regulator is unnumbered. Charging handle retention screw has non-original hex nut. Original Japanese 2.5 x 13 power Type 96 scope, one original 30-round magazine, and desirable original amnesty registration paperwork is included with this lot. This gun was amnesty registered as a deactivated gun, and has been legally reactivated and restored to a “live” gun by “U.S. Armament Corp, Ephrata, PA”, and is so marked on the left side of the receiver. The Japanese Type 96 machine gun was in use by the Japanese throughout World War II, despite being superseded by the larger caliber Type 99 model. The light 6.5mm cartridge was effective and produced little recoil, and with practiced trigger control, the firer can squeeze off individual shots. Japanese soldiers generally preferred this model over the later Type 99 Model due to its lighter recoil and convenience of removing the barrel by way of a lever. Electronic NFA registry indicates “JAPAN” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: Original Amnesty Registration paperwork. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine original finish, thinning in places with some brown patina, particularly at butt plate and ejection port cover, and a small area of light pitting noticeable on left side of receiver. Also some evidence of reactivation work at the chamber, and bolt face where weld was removed. Bore has strong rifling, dark in the grooves. Wood furnishing are generally fine with a chip off the carrying handle at the outer rear radius, and typical bruises and handling marks. Scope optics are slightly cloudy, but serviceable. Mechanics are fine. This is a full-auto-only machine gun. This Japanese Type 96 is quite an attractive specimen of this model, not often found with matching parts and original amnesty paperwork. It will be a welcome addition to any WWII machine gun collection. 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. JWK 2024-05-002.
Accessories
scope and 1 magazine total
Caliber/Bore
6.5mm Japanese
Paperwork
Amnesty Registration Form