December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
Among the first experimental Japanese paratrooper rifles, an estimated 500 were built from standard Type 99 rifles taken from the Toriimatsu factory of the Nagoya Arsenal in the 51,786-59,267 range. This Series 21 rifle is numbered 58,500, comfortably within this accepted range. Unlike other later paratroop rifle designs, this rifle separates into 2 with a quarter turn of the barrel, which locks into a receiver mounted reinforcement sleeve with disrupted threads. The reinforcement sleeves on both the barrel and receiver are correctly finished in black enamel paint, the balance of the gun blued. Additional features include a protected blade front sight, antiaircraft ladder rear sight, dust cover, plum shaped thread off bolt handle, monopod, and hardwood stocks. A brass muzzle cover is also included. CONDITION: Good. Significant portions of arsenal blue are retained, some areas drifting to gray patina. Reinforcement sleeves likewise retain significant portions of flaking enamel paint with some oxidation spotting. Stocks have dings and abrasions throughout, showing heavy use. Good bore. Fine mechanics.
CORRECTION: The bolt handle on this gun is a restoration.