Arisaka Type 99 Last Ditch Mum 7.7 Japan Rare Izawa Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1700
LSB#: 211027RF29
Make: The Izawa Juho Seizosho Company of Osaka. A Japanese subcontractor for the Nagoya Arsenal.
Model: Type 99 “Last Ditch” Arisaka
Serial Number: 13193
Year of Manufacture: 1943-1945
Caliber: 7.7x58mm (7.7 Jap)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked with a “chrysanthemum” (the Imperial ownership seal). The left side of the receiver is marked (from left to right) with a faded “series” symbol, the serial number, and the 2 symbols for the Izawa Juho Seizosho Company of Osaka. The first of the 2 symbols is the symbol for the Nagoya Arsenal as the Izawa Juho Seizosho Company was a subcontractor for Nagoya. There is a line on the left of the barrel shank that matches a line on the receiver. The bottom of the safety, the firing pin, the bottom of the bolt handle, and the extractor are all marked with the last 3 digits of the serial number. The bottom of the butt is marked with a small Japanese stamping. For more information on the markings see pages 210 – 215 of Joe Puleo’s, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 ½ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small inverted “V” post set atop a raised base. The rear sight is a fixed aperture attached to the base by a screw.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, nosecap with bayonet lug, barrel band, 2 sling loops, through bolt and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scratches, light surface erosion, and a brown patina. The stock hardware shows scrapes & discoloration from oxidation. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Several have damaged small areas of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled. The LOP measures 12 ½ 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 & grooves are gray and the rifling is deep. There is fouling and intermittent erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 30% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and light surface erosion. The screw heads heavy use. The remaining markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This “Last Ditch” Japanese Type 99 Arisaka was made by the Izawa Juho Seizosho Company of Osaka who was a subcontractor for the Nagoya Arsenal. It was made during the last years of WWII. It was made with a simplified rear sight, rough metal work, and simple markings on the receiver. As the Japanese suffered more losses they continued to simplify the production of “Last Ditch” rifles to save time & money. This Arsisaka’s markings include an intact chrysanthemum and matching numbers on the bolt handle, safety, firing pin, and extractor. The rifle is also marked with the symbols for the Izawa Juho Seizosho Company of Osaka. These are rare markings as rifles made by the Izawa Juho Seizosho Company are rarely seen for sale.