Hey guys,
Today I had all three of my Japanese Arisaka rifles out and I figured since they are not the most common rifles on CGN I would take a few pictures. Shown is an early Koishikawa Arsenal (Tokyo) Type 38 rifle on top, a late production 27th series Nagoya Type 38 rifle (c. 1940) and on the bottom an early production Toyo Kogyo Hiroshima Prefecture Type 99 rifle (c. 1942). Also in the pictures are two WWII Japanese surplus rounds - one 6.5mm for the Type 38 rifles and one 7.7mm for the Type 99 rifles. The bayonet shown in a Nagoya produced Type 30 bayonet - produced for both the Type 38 and Type 99 rifles.
The Koishikawa Type 38 was made sometime prior to 1935 in Tokyo and unfortunately has a ground Chrysanthemum typical of post war formally surrendered property. This was done as a means for the Japanese people to save face. This particular rifle had grimey sand under the stock when I first took it apart! It also has the early sights.
The Nagoya Arsenal Type 38 rifle is an interesting one to say the least. The rifle features an intact Chrysanthemum however it has been canceled out of service (note the eight 0 stamps). This particular rifle saw Thai service as a Thai Type 83 and was later used against the French in the region. As expected the stock is has many little dings but is very strong. A true combat veteran from what I have been told by the author of "The Type 38 Arisaka" Mr. Frank Alan.
The 1942 produced Type 99 was made by Toyo Kogyo arsenal in Hiroshima (modern day Mazda Motors!) and has a completely intact Chrysanthemum and AA sights. The bore on this rifle is chromed and is beautiful in every way. I have yet to take this rifle apart fully yet however it is definitely original from what I can tell. From what I have read intact 'Mum" rifles (esp Type 99s) were commonly acquired after battle and are commonly seen as "battlefield pickups". Of course as with any milsurp this is speculation.
And a shot of all three receiver areas. Note the different states of each Chrysanthemum and the different sight systems.
The Ammo - note the lack of a headstamp
Thanks for looking!
Today I had all three of my Japanese Arisaka rifles out and I figured since they are not the most common rifles on CGN I would take a few pictures. Shown is an early Koishikawa Arsenal (Tokyo) Type 38 rifle on top, a late production 27th series Nagoya Type 38 rifle (c. 1940) and on the bottom an early production Toyo Kogyo Hiroshima Prefecture Type 99 rifle (c. 1942). Also in the pictures are two WWII Japanese surplus rounds - one 6.5mm for the Type 38 rifles and one 7.7mm for the Type 99 rifles. The bayonet shown in a Nagoya produced Type 30 bayonet - produced for both the Type 38 and Type 99 rifles.
The Koishikawa Type 38 was made sometime prior to 1935 in Tokyo and unfortunately has a ground Chrysanthemum typical of post war formally surrendered property. This was done as a means for the Japanese people to save face. This particular rifle had grimey sand under the stock when I first took it apart! It also has the early sights.
The Nagoya Arsenal Type 38 rifle is an interesting one to say the least. The rifle features an intact Chrysanthemum however it has been canceled out of service (note the eight 0 stamps). This particular rifle saw Thai service as a Thai Type 83 and was later used against the French in the region. As expected the stock is has many little dings but is very strong. A true combat veteran from what I have been told by the author of "The Type 38 Arisaka" Mr. Frank Alan.
The 1942 produced Type 99 was made by Toyo Kogyo arsenal in Hiroshima (modern day Mazda Motors!) and has a completely intact Chrysanthemum and AA sights. The bore on this rifle is chromed and is beautiful in every way. I have yet to take this rifle apart fully yet however it is definitely original from what I can tell. From what I have read intact 'Mum" rifles (esp Type 99s) were commonly acquired after battle and are commonly seen as "battlefield pickups". Of course as with any milsurp this is speculation.
And a shot of all three receiver areas. Note the different states of each Chrysanthemum and the different sight systems.
The Ammo - note the lack of a headstamp
Thanks for looking!
Last edited:
