
Japan Type 44 Carbine Mum 6.5 Arisaka Folding Bayonet Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: WY241104JS013
Make: Kokura Arsenal, Japan
Model: Type 44 Carbine
Serial Number: 08560
Year of Manufacture: 1933 to 1940
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 is marked with a “chrysanthemum”, the Imperial ownership seal, and with 3 Japanese characters that translate to “44 Type”. The “chrysanthemum” is crisp and complete. The left side of the receiver is marked (from left to right) with the “1st” series symbol, the serial number, with the symbol for Kokura Arsenal “stacked cannon balls”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “230”. The inside of the safety is marked “358”. The extractor is marked “5285”. The firing pin is marked “9640”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 19.2 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 semi-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. The bottom of the forearm has 3 drain holes. 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. There is a cleaning rod stored. The buttplate shows scrapes and oxidation with minor erosion at the heel and toe. There are deep nicks, scratches, compressions, and scrapes throughout. There are no notable cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original. The metal has been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is some very faint erosion but for the most part the bore is clean with only minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. Most of the metal has been treated with cold blue. The metal shows scrapes & small scratches. The barrel, nosecap and bottom metal show areas of thinning as well as discoloration from both the cold blue and oxidation. There is scattered intermittent oxidation. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine 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 introduced as a cavalry carbine variant of the Type 38 and distinguished by its integral, folding spike bayonet. Produced at the Kokura Arsenal from the early 1930s through roughly 1940, the Type 44 retained the reliable 6.5x50mm Arisaka chambering and featured a shorter, approximately 19-inch barrel for maneuverability. This particular example still bears a crisp, intact chrysanthemum on the receiver—a key collector’s point, as many rifles had the Imperial seal defaced after Japan’s surrender. Its markings indicate it is a “1st” series Kokura production, with a range of non-matching bolt components. Nevertheless, the rifle exhibits the hallmark robust engineering and smooth cycling bolt action associated with Arisakas.
From a condition standpoint, the metal retains about 90% finish, much of which has been refreshed with cold blue. Despite some scattered oxidation, thinning, and small scratches, the markings remain clear and distinct. The two-piece hardwood stock is in Very Good shape as refurbished, with deeper handling marks consistent with a century-old military firearm, yet no significant cracks. Notably, the folding bayonet locks firmly in place, and the original cleaning rod can still be accessed by rotating the lever in the buttplate—both desirable features for collectors. Overall, this Type 44 exhibits both the historical authenticity and functional integrity that make Arisaka carbines fascinating cornerstones of World War II firearms collecting. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -L.S.
