May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
One of the most sought of all Japanese machine gun models of World War II, this Type 100 manufactured by Nagoya Arsenal includes not only one of the most sought of all Japanese machine gun models of World War II, this Type 100 manufactured by Nagoya Arsenal includes not only an original magazine but also desirable provenance. Original registration May 3, 1946 with original Form 6 for importation stating it is a “souvenir of actual combat in the Pacific Theatre of Operations” is included with this lot. Also has the original August 20, 1946 US Treasury Dept. IRS form stating that the gun had been rendered “non-serviceable”. 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 underside of the magazine housing. Except for the restorative work incidental to reactivation this gun is in as brought back condition including having a U.S. G.I. M1 Carbine sling attached. Perhaps attached there by the Japanese. This cataloger has seen other original “as brought back” specimens where captured American slings, shoulder cords, and buttons were all put into service by Japanese forces. The Japanese were relatively late compared to other nations in discerning the usefulness of pistol caliber machine guns in close combat. This gun is the Type 100 model of 1944, and although fewer than 6000 were produced, it is by far the most produced of Japanese pistol caliber machine guns. These originally were issued only to “special” units, but eventually, by 1944, were seeing more widespread issue. Visible serial numbers on this gun are all matching throughout, including receiver, stock, bolt, bolt handle, buffer, and buffer retention latch. The barrel is the original barrel to the gun. Magazine has two original numbers (398, and 367). This has a steel buttplate and exhibits an unusually clear (best this cataloger has ever seen) detent latch cartouche on the left side of the stock. The action of this gun is smooth when operated by hand. Electronic NFA registry indicates “Nambu Arms Mfg Co” as the manufacturer. PROVENANCE: Original Department of Treasury Importation and Registration paperwork. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is fine original finish, thinning in places with numerous areas of light pitting and brown patina. There is noticeable and interesting slight scorching on the wood immediately below the ejection port, and also some small areas of bare metal incidental to the reactivation work accomplished. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright. Wood furnishing are extremely fine with light bruises and handling marks. Magazine appears serviceable with slightly undersized floorplate, unquestionably original as brought back. Web sling is serviceable starting to fray at the sling swivels (actually a good indication). Mechanics are crisp. This is a full-auto-only machine gun. Japanese Type 100 machine guns are offered for sale VERY rarely as there are not many specimens in the National Firearms Act registry, and there is a rising interest in collecting Japanese machine guns, especially with modern ammunition now obtainable. All things considered, this specimen is among the best to come available in over 20 years, and a discerning, forward thinking collector no doubt will welcome the opportunity to add this one to their WWII 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 2024-05-003
Paperwork
1946 Bring Back Paperwork