Japanese Type 13 Murata Infantry Rifle 11×60 Bolt Action Antique

SOLD FOR: $1525

LSB#: 210917MW06

Make: Japan

Model: Type 13 Murata Infantry Rifle

Serial Number: 29572

Year of Manufacture: 1880-1895

Caliber: 11x60R (11x60mm Rimmed, Black Powder)

Action Type: Single Shot Bolt Action

Markings:. The top of the barrel shank is marked with a “chrysanthemum” (the Imperial ownership seal) and with the Murata family seal. The left side of the receiver, left side of the barrel shank, rear sling loop base, and barrel band are each marked with the serial number. The bolt assembly, bottom metal, and nosecap are each marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. The barrel shank is marked with a Japanese character. Both sides of the receiver are marked with small Japanese characters. The characters on the left side of the receiver translate to “Great Nippon Empire Murata Rifle”.
For more information on the markings see pages 198 – 202 of Joe Puleo’s book, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World.

Barrel Length: Approximately 32 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a small base. The rear sight ladder has a fixed “V” notched blade when down and a sliding  “V” notched blade when flipped up. The ladder is marked from “5 – 15”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, nosecap with bayonet lug, cut out for the missing cleaning rod, barrel band, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate & stock hardware show scrapes, scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The buttplate also shows surface erosion. The bottom of the butt shows a repair at the butttplate. Cracks are visible at the repair. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Some have damaged small areas of the surface wood. Many of these marks have been  finished over. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as a refurbished antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original. The barrel has been treated with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is deep. There is light erosion throughout the bore. There are intermittent patches of heavier erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% its current metal finish. The barrel has been treated with cold blue. Small scratches and oxidation show through the cold blue finish. A patch of surface erosion shows through the cold blue on the top of the barrel. This area shows discoloration from oxidation. The barrel shows various scrapes & light scratches. The receiver & bottom metal show scrapes, small scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and light surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use and oxidation. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as a refurbished antique.

Mechanics: This rifle was made without a safety. 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.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Type 13 Murata Infantry Rifle was designed by Major Murata Tsuneyoshi. He traveled throughout Europe studying firearms and military weapons prior to its design. The Type 13 was the first locally produced Japanese service rifle. It was adopted in 1880 as the Meiji Type 13 Murata single-shot rifle. The 13 referred to the adoption date, the year 13 in the Meiji period according to the Japanese calendar.
This Murata Rifle is in nice shape for its age. The stock has been refurbished and the barrel has been treated with cold blue. The rifle still has lots of well defined markings on the metal. This antique Murata Rifle will add nicely to a Japanese collection.