Very nice example of an early First Series 7.7mm Arisaka Type 99 rifle with documented provenance to Saipan!

Principal markings include: Chrysanthemum (Imperial Army property mark); “30846” (serial number); character shachi or “kissing dolphins” (manufacturer); characters Shiki & 99 (model: Type 99); Iroha Kana character for 1 (production series 1).  The condition is excellent with 95% of blue remaining and with all matching serial numbers.  The rifle is fully functioning and the bore is exceptional.  The stock is very good, but with expected light dings/handling marks from service use (but no gouges or cracks).  The stock also has its original finish and has not been sanded/refinished.

The Type 99 rifle was adopted in 1939 and entered service in 1941; this example, made by the Toriimatsu Factory of Nagoya Arsenal, is one of the first ones received by the Japanese Army in 1941. The Toriimatsu Factory made approximately 50,000 Type 99 rifles in 1941; based on the production series and serial number, this example was made in November 1941.

Included with the rifle is a Type 30 bayonet and scabbard in exceptional condition.  The bayonet was manufactured in 1941-1942 by Hikari Seiki Seisakusho KK (Precision Optical Manufacturing Corporation) under Kokura Arsenal supervision.  More importantly, the bayonet still has most of its original period applied black paint indicating issue to Japanese Naval Landing Forces.  This NLF bayonet is a rare variant and is worth $400 alone.

Now to the best part!  The rifle and bayonet have an original (not copy) capture paper indicating they were acquired on Saipan.  The paper, dated October 10, 1945, is from the Signal Section (Communications) of the 61^st General Depot based on Saipan.  The paper lists the rifle and bayonet and states the recipient, a Signal Corps major, “is authorized to retain said items of equipment as his personal property.”  The major’s name will be provided to the buyer.  The battle of Saipan was fought from June 15 to July 9, 1944, so these items were undoubtedly Japanese equipment collected on the island following the action.

A summary of the major’s career (which includes his photo) will also be provided.  The summary shows him assigned as deputy commander of the “Sig Sec 61^st Gen Dep (Saipan)” in 1945.  The current owner purchased the rifle and bayonet from the major’s widow in the 1980s.

Very early Type 99 rifles in this condition and with solid attribution to a famous Pacific battle rarely come on the market.  Excellent opportunity to own a collector grade Japanese World War II rifle and bayonet with impeccable provenance to Saipan.  If you only want one Type 99 rifle for your collection, this is the one to have!  [SK] [PH:L]

Firearm 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.

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