Japanese WW2 Arisaka Type 38 Carbine……(F 1149)

A very good Type 38 Series Two Japanese Carbine

 A Type 38 Carbine in very good condition from the WW2 Period.  The Imperial chrysanthemum design has been ground off the crest of the receiver.  The markings representing Type 38 have remained.  In close proximity are two gas escape holes.  The receiver generally has a most pleasing blue to it, as has the rest of the rifle.  Only the bolt and the steel but plate remain in the white.  Sliding dustcover is present – these are often missing as it is thought that many Japanese servicemen disguarded them because of the tell-tale give-away racket they made in operation.  The rear side mounted sling swivel has lost its finish and is now grey.  The cleaning rod stored under the barrel is also in the white.  All things considered this neat Japanese carbine is in excellent condition, with a superb bore and efficient functionality.

Chambered in 6.5 x 51R it has one of the strongest Mauser type actions amongst its contempoaries. It can be fed from a stripper clip inserted into the guide in the front of the rear action bridge.  It has a 5-shot internal magazine.  The carbine measures a total of 38″ in length.  The barrel is 18.1/2″ long and the trigger pull length is approximately 13″.  This carbine is stocked in a relatively straight grained timber.  On first glance it appears to be normal one piece stock but on closer inspection of the butt-stock it becomes more obvious that the butt is in in fact made up of two pieces.  Therefore there are really three components to the stock apart from the fittings.  Apart from a few jagged dings on the right hand side the rest of the stock is in very good condition, in what appears to be its original lacquered finish.  There are two interesting marks impressed into the underside of the butt – likely to be makers marks.

Just rear of the finger groove on the RHS of the stock is the rainwater run-off.  Designed not to let too much water find its way between the stock and the action and barrel.  The humid jungles of that part of the world could be as wet as they could be hot.  The rear flip-up ladder type sights are graduated to from 4 to 20.  Just behind the muzzle is the front sight block, which consists of an inverted “V” within protective ears.  The nose-cap of the stock incorporates a bayonet lug underneath.

On the LHS of the action, just above the “wood-line” first of all ( from left to right) is the series symbol which is a square within a circle which means second series. Next is the serial number  “10102”.  The the Arsenal which is the Tokyo/Kokura arsenal.  Then the marks become very difficult to make out but, might be, sub-inspectors or subcontractors marks.  The stem of the bolt is also stamped with “102” meaning the action and bolt have stayed together and are matching.  The rear of the bright finished bolt has a wonderful concentric pattern on it; this actually doubles as the safety, the pattern allows purchase by slippery hands.  the groove in the circumference of this part means it is know as a “notched safety.”  When the notch is at 12 o’clock the weapon is on safe.

The quality of the bluing in general is of a high quality, but some parts have been given special treatment;  The magazine follower has a bright nitre-blue to it as do the band retention springs.  Mixed with the good woodwork this is a very good looking little Japanese carbine.  Although the Mum is removed this is one of the best carbines I have had the pleasure of handling.

Stock No’  F 1149

£ 1795.

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