Honeycutts book has been the standby for years, simply because it was the standby for years. Those "experts" apparently care if the inspection stamp was turned slightly counterclockwise the week Hiroki San had the flu and his left handed replacement was working. Even the average diehard Arisaka collector is unlikely to actually need more than that book. If you aren't looking to buy exotic experimental Japanese rifles, then that is all you need. As for the "basic, beginners" remark I was repeating what I have read on another site where the "experts" hang out. I got it cause it was cheap and its all I needed. McCollum's book is he only one I have, as I am not a primarily a jap rifle collector. The numbers came about by the way the symbols are arranged in a Japanese poem (or something like that). two other small parts are m/m.īy the way, the so called 'series numbers' is a collectors term, never used by the Japanese. Safety, bayo lug, floorplate serial matched. A m/m rifle but following have serials bolt, renumber to 489, T.G, trigger, bolt release, some sight parts, fire pin, safty (match), upper lower tang.
No other numbers altho I did not take bolt apart.Ĥ4 Carbine # 57489. number 696 on rec., bolt & safety, bayo lug. And it has many of early features which it 'should not', perhaps because of low # 5030.
Series 33 Toyo Kogya is matched by serial # but only bolt & rec. Stock, handguard, dust cover are all numbered m/m. #171 (barrel & rec.), bolt, safety, firing pin, floorplate are #453. My 99 Long is matched by serial, these were made in 1939.ģ8 Carbine # 42453, 5 series, is a m/m but has an assemb. A very basic beginners book, I know, so don't jump all over me! After about 1940 the serial was used exclusively for matching numbered parts." Japanese Rifles of WW11" Duncan McCollum. During the 1930's aresnals begin using last three digits of serial number to SOME parts, while others continued to be numbered to match a separate assembly number. "Until the 1930's parts were numbered with Assembly numbers of 1 to 3 digits. If you can post a good photo of the series mark (symbol before serial number) I can probably figure it out.įor what its worth, keeping in mind books are never written in stone. Color ranged from burgundy or RED to light tan or yellow. Factory finish on most Arisakas was glossy. If the edges are rounded, it has been sanded. Look for sharp edges on the top of the stock by the receiver. The finish on your rifle could be correct. There is a ton of emphasis on mums by non collectors who think they will get a fortune if two petals of the mum are visible. If it has one line through it, it has a ground mum. There is no such thing as a mostly there, partially ground or lightly ground mum. You probably have a mid war rifle and it maybe correct. Thus, some came from the factory with the option for AA sights and monopod, but without them mounted. The Japanese deleted the monopod and AA sights before they used up all the mounts. Just open the bolt and look under the handle. Serial number on bolt will be at the base of the handle underneath. and found yet another rabbit hole for the collection! Also, any help dating and determining "originality" by which I mean, I understand at some point that the anti-aircraft wings, dust cover and monopod were no longer built into the weapon, is this likely in that window rather than pieces that were discarded by the Soldier? Either way I don't really care, I have "rescued" another rifle needing a good home.
I didn't see serial numbers at the bayonet lug and bolt handle but i really didn't look that close.Īgain, I figured it wasn't too bad of a deal. Stock finish seems pretty nice by military standards, though perhaps sanded and refinished I now realize (I hope not.)
I understand Kokura to be block 20-25?ġ1.
It looks like a v-tail swallow but I don't recognize that mark in my research. I cannot identify the symbol before the SN (45194) to determine block. Mum mostly ground off but you can still see a few petals.Ĩ. Earlier knurled cocking piece / bolt handle etc.Ħ. No Anti-Aircraft wings but same type of sightĥ. I plan to purchase the book "Military Rifles of Japan" very soon and get smart but in the interim your knowledge is appreciated!ġ. Here is what I can tell you so far and the few photos i was able to take at the shop, I apologize they aren't better, I'll post more when I pick it up next week. Normally I would go, do a ton of research then make my purchas decision but I figured $200 isn't bad even if it isn't perfect. I will admit my knowledge of japanese weapons is slim at best. I stumbled on a Type 99 at a local pawn shop for $200.