Approximately 14,500 Type 97 sniper rifles were manufactured at the Nagoya Arsenal and 8,000 at Kokura Arsenal between 1938-1943. A scope-equipped variant of the Type 38 service rifle, the Type 97 was one of Imperial Japan's go-to sniper weapons for World War II, and gained great infamy during the "island hopping" campaign in the Pacific. This example has a see through rectangular window on the bottom of the forend with a plaque that reads "CAPTURED ON CORRIGADOR/28 FEBRUARY 1945/LT. DONAL D. ENGEN". Included consignor supplied research indicates that Donal D. Engen was a commander aboard the B-24 Bomber "Deanna's Dreamboat" starting in January of 1945, and there are a few pictures of him standing next to the plane. The research notes indicate "Deanna's Dreamboat" had its first flight on January 19, 1945 and termination date of November 5, 1945, and lists 46 official missions flown by "Deanna's Dreamboat" between April 1945 to August 1945. The Battle for the Recapture of Corregidor, where Lt. Donal D. Engen captured this Japanese sniper rifle, occurred between February 16, 1945-February 26, 1945, with American forces against defending Japanese garrison on the island fortress. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights. The receiver markings are properly offset to accommodate the scope base, with a crisp Imperial mum above Type 97 markings on top of the receiver ring. Matching visible serial number "558" on the bolt assembly, bottom of the bayonet lug of the front barrel band, and inside the floorplate. The top of the scope tube is marked "2.5X10" above a logo and "No2152/JES" and the scope base is numbered "1956" on the left and "902" on the front. Includes a correct rubberized canvas scope case with leather fittings and canvas suspension strap, and containing a brush.

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina and some scattered freckling on the balance. The stock is very fine and shows numerous dings, scuffs and a deep gouge on lower right side of butt. Mechanically excellent. Scope is very fine with 90% original black painted finish with some light handling marks, and slightly hazy but viewable optics with a well defined reticle. Scope case is very fine.