This is a fine example of a very late WWII Japanese Type 97 sniper rifle as manufactured at the Nagoya factory. These were based on the earlier Type 38 rifle and were manufactured right up to the end of WWII. The highest recorded serial number was at approximately 14,040, so this is a very late rifle. The side of the receiver is marked with the Nagoya Arsenal symbol over the series "1" mark next to serial number "13879". The top of the receiver has a lightly ground chrysanthemum (you can still see the outline) along with the Kana characters indicating this was a Type 97 rifle. Originally these rifles were equipped with a 2.5 X telescopic sight that was mounted to the left side of the receiver (however this rifle is missing the scope). The left side of the receiver is fitted with the original scope base, but is has a broken retainer spring (which can be replaced). It has an original matching numbered turned down sniper bolt with matching cocking knob, unnumbered firing pin, matching front barrel band an an original non-matching dust cover. The rifle has the original late war features such as the long staff rear sight graduated from 4-22(400-2200 meters), without anti-aircraft wings, no drain holes on the underside of the stock, and no provisions for the mono-pod on the middle barrel band. It retains its original WWII stock with cupped sheet metal buttplate and handguard. This rifle is complete with a Nagoya marked hook bayonet and scabbard.