Type 38 Arisaka Rifle…………………….(f 704) SOLD

Interesting and Rare Japanese Type 38 Infantry Rifle

Redesigned and adopted by the Japanese military around 1905, the 38th year of the Emperor’s reign, the Arisaka utilises a basic Mauser-type bolt system.  A noticeable difference being the safety arrangements at the rear of the bolt.  The main influence for this choice was the Gew’ 98 which Imperial Germany was armed with.  The safety on the Arisaka was redesigned to make it less intricate.  The flag at the rear from the German Mauser was replaced by a rounded cap device.  It had to be depressed by the open palm and then rotated an eighth of a turn to apply the safe.  The Type 38 has large bump or pointer which acts as the indicator.  The entire surface of the dome is machined with spiralling patterns, to aid grip in the wet and sticky conditions.  It makes a visually attractive feature.

The type 38 is chambered in the Japanese 6.5 x 50mm cartridge.  It has a 5-shot internal magazine which can be clip loaded through guides at the front of the action bridge. Fitted with a sliding dust cover over the action.  The bolt has a straight arm with an elongated rounded bolt head.  The bolt stem carries the number “582”.  The rifle measures (approx’) 50.1/4″ overall.  The round blued barrel is 31.1/8″ and the trigger pull is 13″ to centre.

The stock has the two piece butt that is a common feature on these rifles and a handguard over the barrel.  The fore-end has 7.3/4″ long finger grooves.  The stock itself fits well, the two piece dovetailed butt not being loose in any way.  There are a multitude of dents and dings all over the surface of the timber but, I suppose that is an inescapable result of being shelled and bombed by a powerful enemy.  The surface is however smooth and a pleasing patina has built up over the years.  (luckily Bubba didn’t try to fill the crack on this rifle !)  Examples have been experienced where someone has attempted to hide the joint by filling!  This is how they are meant to be – it was a way of cutting down on timber wastage.  Another noticeable feature of the stock is the water run-off on the RHS adjacent to the receiver.

The outer wall of the action is marked with manufacturers information and the serial number.  It appears, just by close observation, that this rifle has had three zero’s added to the front of the number.  It may relate to being reissued or service in the hands of Japanese allies.  It now reads; “000 861248”  Adjacent to the number is the Arsenal mark for Tokyo/Kokura, followed by two smaller stampings.

The receiver crest still retains the Chrysanthemum but, it has been defaced, possibly by a bayonet or more likely a chisel.  The rumour mill is full of stories and explanations as to why this was done. Mainly along the lines of, it would be a dis-honour to surrender equipment that belonged to the Emperor to the Allies.  Another idea is that the Allies made the surrendering troops do this to detach themselves from the Emperor, who had sent them into war.  Beneath the “mum” are two gas escape holes and the Type 38 characters.  The rear sights are the conventional ladder type, graduated from 4 to 24.  The action is mechanically fine and the bore obviously used.  Rifling is slightly soft but continuous from breech to muzzle.  Possibly with some pitting – more will be known when it has been fired and then re-cleaned.

All finish is original and showing signs of wear and thinning in places.  The bolt is finished in the white. Steel butt-plate and two sling swivels.   The rifle has been stripped, cleaned and sent to proof and is now ready to be exercised on the ranges.

Please ask for Stock number f 704

£ 795.  SOLD

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