Japanese Type 44 Carbine………… (F 985) Sold

Type 44 Japanese Carbine

These Type 44 carbines were first introduced in 1911 chambered in the 6.5 semi-rimmed Japanese cartridge.  It is built upon the sturdy Mauser type action of the Type 38 rifle that was already in service.  The Type 38 is a very long rifle and the need for a carbine was answered with this weapon amongst others.  It has a 5-shot internal magazine and a straight arm bolt.  The action is covered by a sliding action cover designed to inhibit the ingress of dirt and other materials.  This example has its sliding action cover in position – they are often discarded.  This Mauser system differs mainly from the conventional in that it has a cone-shaped head to the rear of the bolt, which is depressed and turned to the twelve o’clock position to apply safe.  The cone is engraved with a geometric pattern to aid grip in wet conditions. It also cocks when the bolt is moved forward and is renown for being one of the strongest actions ever produced among its contemporaries.

The Type 44 is instantly recognisable by the folding bayonet which is permanently attached.  Overall the carbine is 38″ long.  The round barrel is 19″ long and the trigger Pull is 13.1/8″ to centre.  When the 14″ bayonet is extended the carbine is 51.5/8″ in length. The blade is deeply fluted on either side.   The underside of the fore end is grooved to accept the bayonet and the mid-band is similarly fashioned to do the same, so the blade can store flush with the stock.  Also incorporated with the front band of the carbine, is a sprung push button system which locks the bayonet in both positions.  On the RHS of the same fore-end fitting is a pronounced stacking hook, and bayonet breaking device.

The action and the round barrel is finished in the blue.  The other furniture and bayonet are also blued.  Finish is strong on the main components but is wearing from age on some of the ancillaries such as the butt-plate.  The two piece stock is jointed through the rear portion, there-by saving timber in the manufacturing process, as Japan did not possess massive stocks of hard wood.  It also has a hand guard over the barrel.  The stock has finger grooves in the fore-end and a single barrel band with side sling mount. On the RHS of the action in the top/waist-line of the woodwork is a distinct notch, let into the fore-end which almost allows one to see under the action; this is a water run-out facility.  The Japanese were well aware of how wet the jungle could be, trapped water is only going to encourage accuracy problems.

The butt also has a mounting point for the sling on its LHS.  The steel butt-plate has a seemingly complicated cleaning trap operated by a catch, mounted on the RHS, which turns through 90 degrees to open or close, allowing access by a very small slot through which the components were meant to pass. Contents a/f.  The mum on the crest of the receiver has been ground away as part of the surrender process.  The Type markings are still clear on the receiver crest.  The serial number “27377” is on the action side wall with the Arsenal marking for Kokura. Correct Carbine type rear ladder sight, graduated from 10 to 20.  The inverted “V” front sight is guarded by small steel ears for protection.  The action is mechanically fine and the reciprocating pressure on the bolt strong when closing.  The bore is in good condition with a good depth of rifling remaining, no pitting or scouring visible.

A fine and rare carbine which has seen long service and a very interesting collectible piece.  The stock is in generally good condition but a professional repair has been carried out on a small split around the wrist to stop further travel of the crack on one side.  These neat carbines are becoming quite difficult to secure from the other side of the pond and prices are rising very quickly. Fresh CIP proofs applied.

Stock No’ F 985

£ 1150. (Sold)

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