Murata Type 18 Single Shot rifle

Third Type 18 Murata Infantry Rifle

The last of Japans’ single shot Black Powder Murata rifles, before the caliber change of the Type 22.  Losely based on the Beaumont rifle, this center-fire single shot weapon was chambered in 11 x 60mmR (now obsolete.) In effect this rifle was on par with the Gew 88, in that was initiated by a committee headed by Tsuneyosh Murata, a retiring Infantry Major.

The Type 18 carries with it strong European influences from the French steel it was first made out of, to the Beaumont Adams type bolt.  Unfortunately, the final versions carried all the faults of its liniage and was soon obsolete with the arrival of the 8mm smokeless round.  However, that does not mean that it didn’t see its fair share of trial by combat, where it finally performed as well as any of its contempoaries in an almost continual string of conflicts. From its initial inseption in 1885 to the end of service it has served in conflicts that incude the Boxer Rebelion, The First Sino Japanese War, the First World War and finally appearing in the hands of the Japanese Volunteer Defence Force, in the the later days of WW 2.  It was accurate and dependable compared to many other alternatives of the time and even had a reputation of performing well in cold temperatures.  But eventually, it gave way the the inevitable and was replaced by the Type 22 and then the Arisaka. But you can see that it has a secure place in the family tree of Japanese arms development.

The rifle is of the same weighty issued rifles that include the Portuguese Kropotcheck, the Mauser 71 and Grass as some of its contempoaries. It measures 50.3/8″ in overall length, then had a bayonet which significantly added to its reach. This round steel barrel is 32″ long 5-groove, moderately shallow pitted bore, but nothing that would disrupt the heavy lead round. Trigger Pull is 13″ to center.  Fully stocked in a single piece, dark hardwood, straight grip stock. Ram-rod stored under barrel. The Beaumont-Type bolt is a short 6.1/2″ in length, which contains that ever-so-clever flat leaf-spring in the handle arrangement.  Finished in bright steel it contrasts handsomely with the blued finish of the action and barrel. The action is covered in Japanese script markings, which even if you dont know what they translate to (as I don’t) are very pleasing to look at.  Sword mounting type for bayonet and interesting low profile macheined bayonet fitting near muzzle on LHS.

The serial number is highlighted on the LHS of the action, reading “103356” This is repeated on the barrel.  Two gas escape holes have been added on the upper surface of the action above the cartridge lip.  There are other markings including an early, partly worn Chrysanthemum and a Tokyo Arsenal Marking.  Standard open-V-aperture rear sights with ladder arrangement, graduated up to 1500 yards. Matching number on RHS of sight base. That matching number also appears on the trigger guard, bands and bayonet fitting, but not the bolt which shows “73312”. One could view that as not surprising, as the rifle has been in so many conflicts, that surrender at some stage could have been a distinct possibility.  Also, very close inspection of the Chrysanthemum, shows a hint of cross-filing in a possible attempt to remove alliegiance to Imperial Japan.  The woodwork is profusely battered indicating the rifles long life in service.  On the RHS of the butt-stock is an indesciferable cartouche. However the attraction with this weapon is not so much about how pretty it is or isn’t, it is its history and the fact it has survived so long in its original form. Somehow since approximately 1885/6 this rifle has avoided tampering and remained frozen in time for the studious collector.  A very worth-while item to have in the collection.

Antique – Obsolete (section 58) No license required.

 £ 1475.

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