Description
This highly collectable WW2 Type 38 Arisaka with intact MUM is in magnificent condition with the usual battlefield knocks to the wood & uniquely, has Japanese Kanji symbols which appear to be burned into both sides of the stock. This makes this rifle unique, incredibly interesting & was almost certainly done by a bored Japanese Marine on some island in the Pacific whilst waiting the US invasion & the chance to die gloriously for the Emperor. This is only the second Type 38 Arisaka we have seen with this type of carving in the stock & the first sold almost instantly, so don’t delay if you think this is for you.
Those who know their history will immediately point out (correctly) any Japanese soldier who did this would have expected a thorough beating for desecrating the Emperor’s property. While this is true, I think it could be understandable that whoever did this on whatever forsaken island
As collectors we are always told buy the rifle & not the story but this rifle tells a real story just to look at & there is an actual story to this gun. Recently purchased from a deceased estate in the US, the story from the family is that Grandad captured this in the pacific & had it shipped home (as US servicemen were able to do). Unlike most, this story actually could be true as this unique rifle has all the hallmarks of being captured rather than one of the many available to acquire by US servicemen as souvenirs after the Japanese surrender.
The condition is great as can be seen in the photos & the desirable Emperor’s Chrysanthemum (MUM) intact, which as you know is a rare thing. It is common knowledge that at the end of the war, all surrendered Japanese rifles had the MUM either ground, scrubbed or somehow defaced lending credence to the story that this is a battlefield capture.
This interesting & genuinely collectable rifle would be a great addition for any serious collector who wants a rifle with a personalised history & may well have belonged to a Japanese Marine & not just a Japanese rifle.
The bore is great with very defined rifling so definitely a shooter! The muzzle will not accept a Norma 6.5 Jap round showing the barrel is still tight & not worn but of course will chamber a 6.5 Jap round. 6.5mm Jap ammo is available for this rifle if collected from the shop. We think this has had a coat of something to protect the wood.
These simply don’t come along often & have, in our experience become harder to find in original condition, with MUM intact.
Do your own research & you will know if this is for you. Please view the photos carefully & make your decision based on what you see as they form the main description & override all written information. Ask for more if desired.
We think we have described it accurately & correctly but do not claim to be infallible so if we have got anything wrong, it is unintentional & are happy for feedback from people who know more than we do.
Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & this is sold on an ‘as is’ basis. As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting.
Call for shipping cost to your dealer.
