WWII Japanese Tokyo Kogyo Type 99 7.7×58 AA Sights Mum Arisaka Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1755
LSB#: 210711RW15
Make: The Hiroshima Plant of Toyo Kogyo (Toyo Manufacturing). Subcontractor for the Kokura Arsenal.
Model: Arisaka, Type 99
Serial Number: 45259
Year of Manufacture: 1939-1945
Caliber: 7.7x58mm (7.7 Jap)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver has had its “chrysanthemum” (the Imperial ownership seal) intact and crisp. It is also marked with three Japanese characters that translate to “99 Type”. The left side of the receiver is marked (from left to right) with a small Japanese stamping the “31st” series symbol, the serial number, and the 2 symbols for the Hiroshima Plant of Toyo Kogyo. There is a line on the left of the barrel shank that matches a line on the receiver. The front of the safety, firing pin, extractor, rear of the dust cover, and the bottom of the bolt handle are marked “259”. The rear of the safety has decorative metal work on it. The base of the bayonet bears the Kokura Hourglass marking, also referred to by some as “moji”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” dovetailed into a banded rectangular base with protective ears. The rear sight is a ladder sight that is screwed to the barrel. The rear of the ladder has a fixed peep sight for use when the ladder is flipped down. When the ladder is flipped up, there is an aperture in the center of the slider for use. The sides of the ladder are marked from “3” to “15”. The slider has spring-loaded latches for raising and lowering the slider and locking it into position. The ladder has folding anti-aircraft wings attached, each marked “2” and “3”, and with a “V” notch on the outside edge (lower edge when unfolded to the horizontal position).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecap, hole for the cleaning rod, barrel band, two sling loops, monopod attached to the band, through bolt and a metal buttplate. There are drainage holes located on the bottom of the stock ahead of the lower metal and above the right through bolt. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. The most prominent imperfections are on the belly where there is a notable gash and several dark compressions. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These defects have been oiled over and have darkened with age. The LOP measures 12 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows a deep, dark patina with scattered pitting. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The lands are bright. The grooves are mostly bright. The rifling is well defined. There is some infrequent light pitting in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 80% of its metal finish. There is thinning at all leading edges. The metal shows scrapes and small scratches. The bottom metal shows a dark patina with some light erosion. There is faint thinning on the barrel. The receiver shows some scattered light surface oxidation. The screw heads are disfigured yet serviceable. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with this rifle is a bayonet with scabbard and frog. The blade has lost most of its finish and shows some spots of scabbing and areas of light pitting. The base of the handle shows a dark patina and the handle wood shows material loss on the left side and darker discoloration. The scabbard shows a dark patina with some pitting and several little nicks, dings, and a few small dents on the side. The frog has several small splits on the back side, finish loss, verdigris on the brass buttons and buckle, and several scuffs. The stitching is intact.
Our Assessment: This Japanese Type 99 Arisaka was made by the Hiroshima Plant of Toyo Kogyo (Toyo Manufacturing) sometime between 1939 and the end of WWII. Toyo Manufacturing was a subcontractor for the Kokura Arsenal during WWII. This Arisaka is neat for several reasons: it has its “chrysanthemum” intact, a matching dust cover, a monopod, complete anti-aircraft sights, and a bayonet with scabbard and frog. The bayonet bears the Kokura hourglass or “moji” marking, which is from an unknown maker under Kokura supervision, making this rifle even more intriguing. The rifle is in Very Good condition with a respectable bore and great mechanics. Please see our photos and good luck!