Description

WWII Collectible: Arisaka Type 99 (Kokura Series 24) – 7.7x58mm (99% Mum) w/ Two Matching Kokura Bayonets

The Arisaka Type 99 was the standard-issue infantry rifle of the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War. Renowned for its incredibly strong Mauser-style action—often cited by post-war metallurgists as one of the strongest bolt-action receivers ever built—the Type 99 is a phenomenal piece of military history.

This specific rifle is a highly desirable collector’s piece. Manufactured mid-war at the famous Kokura Arsenal (Series 24), it remains in its original, unconverted 7.7x58mm Arisaka chambering. It boasts a 99% intact Imperial Chrysanthemum (the “Mum”) on the receiver, strongly indicating this was a battlefield capture piece rather than a post-war surrender. Elevating this package to an elite collector’s tier, this rifle is accompanied by two original Type 30 bayonets, both bearing the exact same Kokura Arsenal manufacturing stamp as the rifle.

Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: Kokura Arsenal, Imperial Japan

• Series: Series 24 (Identified by the specific Kana character preceding the serial number and the four stacked cannonballs arsenal mark)

• Model: Type 99 Short Rifle

• Caliber: 7.7x58mm Arisaka (Original Japanese configuration)

• Action: Bolt-Action (Cock-on-closing Mauser-style action with straight bolt handle)

• Capacity: 5 Rounds (Internal box magazine with hinged floorplate)

• Barrel Length: 25.9 inches (Chrome-lined)

• Sights: Standard mid-war rear leaf peep sight paired with a front inverted “V” blade with protective ears.

• Markings: Features the Kokura Arsenal “stacked cannonballs” stamp, the Series 24 Kana, and a gorgeous, 99% complete 16-petal Imperial Chrysanthemum over the “Type 99” Japanese characters.

• Furniture: Original Japanese two-piece wooden stock with finger grooves and side-mounted sling swivels.

• Safety: Distinctive, knurled cylindrical knob on the rear of the bolt.

Condition Report

This Kokura Series 24 Type 99 is a fantastic, honest piece of WWII history. It shows the expected patina and character of a true battlefield-carried rifle, but remains mechanically sound and highly collectible.

• Finish: Retains approximately 75-80% of its original military bluing, which has gracefully transitioned into a brown/plum historical patina in high-handling areas. The 99% complete Mum is deeply struck and prominent, showing perhaps only a superficial scratch or light strike that prevents it from being a full 100%, but it was clearly never subjected to the surrender grinding wheel.

• Bore: Very Good to Excellent. Thanks to the original Japanese chrome-lined barrel, the bore remains bright and highly reflective with strong, sharp rifling and no pitting.

• Wood: The original two-piece stock is structurally sound with no major cracks. It displays a heavy, honest military patina with typical dings, dents, and compression marks from combat theater use. The original “urushi” lacquer finish shows characteristic flaking and darkening (un-sanded and un-refinished).

• Mechanics: The legendary Arisaka action is smooth and locks up like a bank vault. The unique palm-safety engages securely, the magazine follower functions properly, and the trigger pull is standard military two-stage.

• Bayonets: The two included Type 30 bayonets show an honest, matching military patina consistent with the rifle. Both blades are intact, and the pommels cleanly display the Kokura Arsenal “stacked cannonballs” stamp.

Included Accessories

• Matching Bayonets: Includes two (2) original Japanese Type 30 bayonets, both manufactured by the matching Kokura Arsenal. (Note: Please verify with the seller if the original steel scabbards are included).

• Configuration Note: As is typical for mid-war Series 24 rifles, this rifle does not include the anti-aircraft sight wings, the wire monopod, or the sliding sheet-metal dust cover. It is presented in its standard, as-carried infantry configuration.