This is an example of a World War II Type 2 Japanese takedown "Paratrooper" rifle. These rifles were based on the Type 99 rifle series and were designed to have a removable barrel so that they could be stored in a canvas parachutist's jump bag (not included) for use by Paratroopers. These rifles were manufactured at the Toriimatsu factory under control of the Nagoya Arsenal. The top of the receiver had the Chrysanthemum (which is completely ground off) and Kanji markings for "Type 2" rifle. The left side of the receiver and pin are marked with the assembly number "371", and the breech end of the barrel and front half of the takedown mechanism is numbered "498". The receiver side wall is marked with the serial number "15548" along with the Nagoya arsenal factory mark. The bayonet lug is numbered "837", the bolt "548" and the dust cover "575". It has the later production tangent rear sight graduated to 1,500 meters with the thin anti-aircraft wings, peep sight and an inverted "V" front sight with guards. The front barrel band is the two screw model and the rear is the later plain slotted pattern and it has the correct, plum shaped pattern bolt. It is fitted with the late war two piece hardwood stock with the cupped steel buttplate, side mounted sling swivels with the drain hole in front of the trigger guard, and a one piece hand guard.

Fine as assembled. The rifle retains 50% thin original blue finish mixed with smooth brown patina. The stock is also good with a few small gouges and a number of minor scratches and dings. Unless noted above the markings are clear. The action is fine.