Produced from 1889 to 1899, the Type 22 rifle was Japan's first smokeless powder military rifle. This rifle has inverted "V" front and ladder rear sights, with a clear chrysanthemum on the barrel and Japanese script on the receiver. Matching numbers on the receiver, barrel, trigger guard, floor plate, barrel bands, and bolt. Full length stock with an upper handguard and an exceptionally nice Japanese cartouche stamped on the right side of the buttstock.

Very fine. The rifle retains 95% original blue finish thinning to a brown patina with limited minor spotting. The tip of the front barrel band spring is missing. The stock is fine with exception of some minor pressure dents and numerous small circular indentations, along with some minor dings and scratches. "MW" is lightly carved on the left side buttstock. Mechanically excellent. These Murata rifles are seldom encountered in any condition, let alone a fine example like this!