Produced at the Kokura Arsenal and fitted with the small 2.5 power scope. The left side of the receiver has the serial number "6957" next to the intertwined symbol for the Kokura arsenal. The chrysanthemum is complete, over the Kana markings for Type 97. It has the adjustable rear sight, graduated from 5-24 without the antiaircraft wings, with the inverted "v" front sight with the squared guards. It has the machined barrel bands with the lower one machined for a monopod block on the barrel band, but missing the monopod. The scope is marked "2.5x10" over the five-pointed star over scope manufacturers, "No 3763" at the top near eyepeice with assembly number "58" on the back and serial number "6955" stamped on the front of the mount (two digits away from the rifle number 6957!). It is fitted with a reproduction rubber eye cup. It has the full length hardwood stock and handguard with the finger grooves on the sides of the forearm. It is complete with the original cleaning rod. These Type 97 rifles were produced up through about serial number 7950 before the Japanese switched to the Type 99 series of sniper rifles. The Type 97 was manufactured at the Nagoya Arsenal and Kokura Arsenal, with the bulk of them made in Nagoya.

Excellent with 97% of the blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with blue loss on the buttplate mixed with some old light rust. The stock and handguards are also in excellent condition showing numerous small pressure dents and dings on the sides and rear underside of the stock. The scope retains 95% of the black painted finish overall with clear optics. The rifle has a matching bolt and extractor with a unnumbered replacement firing pin. Overall an excellent example of a WWII Japanese Type 97 sniper rifle that would be difficult to improve.