This is an excellent example of a very desirable WWII Japanese Type 99 LMG. This model was developed in 1939 as a replacement for the Type 96 LMG and fired the new, heavier 7.7mm Japanese cartridge. These weapons proved to be very successful throughout the war by all the Japanese forces and were used on all the Japanese held islands and mainland China. They are very similar in appearance to the British Bren gun in that they have a top mounted curved box magazine, a forward mounted folding bipod, and a new quick change, finned barrel that featured a top mounted carrying handle. These were a well made machine gun that featured all machined parts with a hard wood buttstock and pistol grip. The right side of the receiver has the four intertwined cannon balls of the Kokura Arsenal, next to the Arsenal inspectors mark with several Kana markings/the series mark/serial number over the show a date of 17.5, (May 1942). This excellent example is complete with an original WWII Japanese fixed 2.5 power optical scope that mounts directly on top of the receiver. The scope features a range finding reticle and is marked on top "2.5 X 13/Japanese Mfg mark/No22884/JES 05". This lot is complete with seven (7) total magazines and three canvas and leather magazine pouches and a small Japanese hardwood plaque with Japanese hand painted characteristic on it. As noted this weapon has been deactivated by drilling a hole into the right side receiver/and barrel juncture and welding in a steel plug, which has also welded in the bolt.

Very fine as deactivated with 95% of a blue/black finish overall. The butt stock and pistol grip are both original and good to very good with their nice original color with light pressure dents and gouges from actual field use. The scope is also excellent with 95% of its original black painted finish with clear optics. The magazines are all very good to excellent and the magazine pouches are good plus. This is a fairly rare and desirable machine gun as not many were brought back by returning GIs as it is a heavy bulky weapon. A very nice example of one the primary WWII Japanese light machine guns. NOTE: This item is currently registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, as a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, which has been classified as a Curios or Relic as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. Before bidding on this item, it is the sole responsibility and obligation of the bidder/Class 3 FFL holder to comply and understand with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence.