Arisaka Type I Paratrooper Carbine Matching Mum 6.5 Japan Folding Stock C&R
SOLD FOR: $11025
LSB#: 210917MW88
Make: Nagoya Arsenal, Japan
Model: Arisaka Type I Paratrooper. A Type 38 Carbine with a folding stock.
Serial Number: 4674. The serial number falls within the Type I Paratrooper serial number range of 4000 to 5000.
Year of Manufacture: 1905 -1945
Caliber: 6.5x50mm (6.5 Jap)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked with the Imperial Chrysanthemum and with the Japanese symbols for “Type 38”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the “5th series” symbol, the serial number, the symbol for the Nagoya Arsenal, and a small Japanese stamping. The left & right sides of the hinge and lock mechanism are each marked “0674”. The left edge of the buttplate is also marked “0674”. The bottom of the bayonet lug, bottom of the bolt handle, bottom of the safety, and the firing pin are each marked with the last 3 numbers of the serial number “674”. The safety is covered in decorative metal work. The bottom of the buttstock is marked with a small Japanese stamping. The right side of the butt is marked “Roper, D.D. S.l.” and with a Japanese character in paint. We do not know the origin of this mark, but we are fairly sure it is the name and designation of the soldier who brought this war trophy back after WWII.
The base of the bayonet blade is marked with the symbol for the Jinsen Arsenal. The bottom of the bayonet’s grip is marked with a faded number.
Barrel Length: Approximately 19 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade that flips up to become a sliding sight ladder marked from “4 -20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has been cut at the grip. The receiver & bottom metal tangs have also been cut. A hinge and lock mechanism has been installed to fold & unfold the stock. A wing nut and latch lock the stock in the extended position. The thin metal piece below the latch has a small stud on it that presses a locking detent inward to unfold the stock. The locking mechanism allows the stock some up & down play; this is common for Type I Paratrooper stocks. The stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecap with bayonet lug, hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band, two sling loops, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate and stock hardware show scratches, areas of surface erosion, and a brown patina. The bottom half of the butt shows filled & repaired cracks on both sides. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several are deep and have damaged or removed areas of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good to Very Good overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the polygonal rifling is well defined. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The fouling should clean up some.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, and varying degrees of discoloration from oxidation. The front of the barrel shows thinning from mounting a bayonet. The screw heads show heavy use & oxidation. 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.
The bayonet mounts the rifle properly.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a Type 30 Bayonet & Scabbard. The bayonet metal shows surface erosion, pitting, and a brown patina. The wood shows several scrapes & scratches. Overall the bayonet is in about Fair condition. The metal scabbard shows scratches, dents, light surface erosion, and a brown patina. Overall it is in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Rare Japanese Type I Paratrooper started life as a Type 38 Carbine made by the Nagoya Arsenal. The Type I Paratrooper Rifles were roughly converted as there were no standard Paratrooper Rifles in production at the time. The conversion consisted of a rough cut to the stock & metal tangs and the addition of a large metal hinge & locking mechanism. This rifle’s serial number falls within the Type I Paratrooper serial number range. This Type I Paratrooper has nice markings that include a full chrysanthemum and matching numbers on the receiver, bayonet lug, bolt handle, safety, and firing pin. The stock is marked with a soldier’s name and info. We believe this is the soldier who brought back the trophy rifle after WWII, but we have no paperwork to verify this. The rifle comes with a Type 30 Bayonet & Scabbard. This is an Ideal Ariska for a Military collector.
For an informative video onthe Type I Paratrooper see the Forgotten Weapons Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mODfNOfwHkE&ab_channel=ForgottenWeapons .