Japanese Type 44 Carbine 6.5 Arisaka Folding Bayonet Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1326
LSB#: 210929DF05
Make: Tokyo Artillery Arsenal, Japan
Model: Type 44 Carbine
Serial Number: 27558
Year of Manufacture: 1911-1933 (see oldmilitarymarkings.com/japanese_markings.html )
Caliber: 6.5x50mm (6.5 Jap or 6.5 Arisaka)
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver has its “chrysanthemum”, the Imperial ownership seal, completely intact. It is also marked with 3 Japanese characters that translate to “44 Type”. The left side of the receiver is marked (from left to right) with the serial number, with the symbol for Tokyo Artillery Arsenal “stacked cannon balls” and with a small Japanese stamping. The left side of the chamber is marked with a triangle in a circle and “B”. The rear of the receiver is marked with a “circle” acceptance mark. The underside of the bolt handle and the bottom of the safety are marked “622”. The underside of the cap is marked “397”. The extractor is marked “814”. The bayonet release button is marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. The rear of the safety is covered in decorative metal work.
Barrel Length: Approximately 19 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post between two protective ears. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to a flip up sight ladder with a sliding “V” notch. It is marked from “4 – 20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece hardwood with a pistol grip, finger grooves, cutout for the folding bayonet, metal nose cap, barrel band, two sling loops, hooked bayonet quillon (not a stacking loop), and a metal buttplate. There is a lever on the right of the butt that rotates to open an oval in the buttplate. This exposes the cleaning rod storage area in the butt stock. A 2 piece cleaning rod is stored in the butt. There is a cut out at the right front of the receiver. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many are deep and have damaged small portions of the surface of the wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are grey. The polygonal rifling is well defined. There is fouling & erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 66% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces show scattered oxidation and erosion. There is thinning on the barrel. The bottom metal has worn to white. There is thinning at the leading edges of the receiver. The metal shows scapes and small scratches. The screw heads show heavy use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good-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 locks into place correctly. The lever on the right of the butt is rotated up to open the oval in the buttplate and expose the cleaning rod storage area.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A 2 piece cleaning rod is stored in the butt. The rods thread together. They show scrapes & discoloration. They are in Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: This Japanese Type 44 carbine was made at the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal between 1911 and 1930. It has deep markings including the Japanese “Type 44”characters on the receiver. The chrysanthemum is completely intact. The metal finish has some issues but much of that should clean up. This Carbine looks impressive, especially when the folding bayonet is extended. The hook on the bayonet is not a stacking loop. It is meant to replicate a Type 30 bayonet quillon. Bayonet fencing with hooked quillons was part of Japanese military training. This Type 44 Carbine will add to your collection.
For more see page 208 of Joe Puleo’s book, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World. Please see our photos and good luck!