Japanese Type 18 Murata Infantry Rifle 11×60 Bolt Action Antique
SOLD FOR: $1625
LSB#: 210917MW08
Make: Japan
Model: Type 18 Murata Infantry Rifle
Serial Number: 115948
Year of Manufacture: 1885-1895
Caliber: 11x60R (11x60mm Rimmed, Black Powder)
Action Type: Single Shot Bolt Action
Markings: The top of the barrel shank is marked with a “chrysanthemum” (the Imperial ownership seal) and with the Murata family seal. The left side of the receiver, left side of the barrel shank, bolt handle, cocking piece, rear sight base, sight ladder, buttplate, rear sling loop base, bottom metal, bayonet lug (faded), nosecap (faded), and many of the screws are all marked with the serial number. The right side of the barrel shank is marked “5” and with a Japanese character. Both sides of the receiver are marked with small Japanese characters. The characters on the left side of the receiver translate to “Great Nippon Empire Murata Rifle”. The characters on the right rear translate to “Meiji 18 year”. The left side of the stock is marked “58” under the receiver.The right side of the stock is marked with a faded circular cartouche.
For more information on the markings see pages 198 – 202 of Joe Puleo’s book, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World.
Barrel Length: Approximately 32 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a small base. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to an escalator assembly. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “2 3 4” for use with the escalator. The sight flips up to become a sight ladder. The rear sight ladder uses a sliding “V” notched blade. The ladder is marked from “5 – 15”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, nosecap, barrel band with bayonet lug, cut out for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, sling loop under the butt, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate & stock hardware show scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and surface erosion. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Several have damaged or removed small areas of the surface wood. Many of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as an antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is grey. The rifling is deep; shallow at the muzzle. There is light erosion throughout the bore. There are intermittent patches of more prominent erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle has lost its metal finish. Much of the metal shows a brown patina. The remaining metal shows small scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and areas of surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use and oxidation. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an antique.
Mechanics: This rifle was made without a safety. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
The bayonet does not mount the rifle. Both the barrel & bayonet collar may need to be cleaned/polished inorder for the bayonet to mount the rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a Type 18 Murata Bayonet & Scabbard (page 28 of Larry Johnson’s book, Japanese Bayonets…1870 to the Present). The bayonet metal shows discoloration and surface erosion. The wood handle shows cracks and is missing a section of wood. The locking button is missing. The bayonet is in about Fair condition as an antique. The scabbard shows several scrapes & scratches that have removed areas of the surface leather and the metal’s paint finish. The scabbard shows a crack and a tear. The tear allows the scabbard to bend. The scabbard is in about Poor to Fair condition as an antique.
Our Assessment: The Type 18 Murata Infantry Rifle was designed by Major Murata Tsuneyoshi. He traveled throughout Europe studying firearms and military weapons prior to its design. It was adopted in 1885. The 18 referred to the adoption date, the year 18 in the Meiji period according to the Japanese calendar. The Type 18 is an updated version of the Type 13 Murata. The most distinguishing feature between the Type 13 and Type 18 Rifles is the pair of screws in a “figure 8 washer” above the trigger on a Type 18 Rifle stock.
This antique Murata Rifle has seen some use but has well defined markings on the metal. The markings include matching numbers on many of the parts & screws. This Type 18 Murata Infantry Rifle comes with a Type 18 Murata Bayonet & Scabbard. Good luck.