NEAR MINT JAPANESE TYPE 38 CARBINE

$1,800.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: G3970

Exceptional example of a World War II era Type 38 carbine made in 1938!  Principal markings include: “10378” (serial number); cannonball stack logo (manufacturer: Kokura Arsenal); characters Shiki & 38 (model: Type 38); Iroha Kana character for 2 (production series 2).

Type 38 carbines are much harder to find than the Type 38 rifle.  The condition of this carbine is exceptional with 99% of the blue, straw, and polished white finish remaining; really Like New and Unissued!  The bore is perfect and perhaps only test rounds were fired through it.  The stock does have a few handling dings, probably obtained when the carbine was surrendered and then added to a stack of rifles.  The rifle is fully functioning and all the serial numbers match (collectors please note that all arms made by Kokura Arsenal during the period 1938 – 1941 have sub-component parts with additional bench assembly numbers; please see the definitive reference book The Type 38 Arisaka by Allan and Macy for a thorough discussion of these bench numbers).

This example, made by the Second Manufacturing Plant of Kokura Arsenal, located in Hida Town, is one of the first Type 38 carbines made by Kokura.  Kokura manufactured approximately 49,500 Type 38 carbines from January 1938 through September 1941.  Since Kokura carbine production started with Iroha series 2 and serial number 10001, this is one of only 7,000 carbines that comprise initial production (serial numbers 10001 – 17000).  Carbines of Kokura subsequent production used serial numbers 50000 – 92500.  Based on the serial number, this Type 38 carbine was made in January 1938.

The Chrysanthemum Imperial Japanese Army property mark on the receiver has been removed, though the outline of the stamp is still visible.  Japanese arms historians/researchers now believe this was done by the Japanese prior to surrendering the weapon to avoid dishonoring the Emperor, rather than by direction of General Douglas MacArthur as formerly asserted.

Japanese Type 38 carbines in this condition rarely come on the market.  Excellent opportunity to own a collector grade Japanese World War II rifle made prior to Pearl Harbor – and before the manufacturing quality declined!  [SK]

Firearms may only be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL Holder) - If you are not a licensed dealer, you must make arrangements with a dealer in your state to receive the firearm and transfer it to you.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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