Japanese Type 44 Carbine 6.5 Arisaka Folding Bayonet Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1200
LSB#: 211002NI49
Make: Tokyo Artillery Arsenal, Japan
Model: Type 44 Carbine
Serial Number: 24885
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 “chrysanthemum”, the Imperial ownership seal, has been completely removed. 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 and a triangle in a circle. The bottom of the bayonet lug assembly, the top of the floorplate, the extractor, the firing pin, the bottom of the bolt handle, the bottom of the rear sight slider, the top of the bolt release, and the front face of the safety are all marked with a symbol and “159”. The back of the safety has decorative metal work.
Barrel Length: Approximately 18.5 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. No cleaning rod is included. 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 1/8 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 lands are somewhat bright. The polygonal rifling is well defined. There is fouling & erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces show scattered faint surface oxidation. There is thinning on the leading edges. There are milling marks where the mum was removed. The bottom metal shows a faint patina appearance with some light pitting on the trigger guard. There is a streak of finish loss on the right side of the receiver. The metal shows scattered small scratches. The screw heads show light-moderate use. 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 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: None.
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 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. The parts have matching assembly numbers. This Type 44 Carbine will add nicely 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!