This is a very fine example of an early, dewated, authentic WWII Japanese Type 96 Light Machine Gun as produced by the Chuo Kogyo Kaisha factory under Kokura Arsenal in October 1941. This series of light machine guns as developed by General Nambu and approved for use in 1936/1937 but were not available in any large quantities until late 1940/41. The side of the receiver is marked the four intertwined cannon balls of the Kokura Arsenal over the serial number "48884" over the Showa date of "16.10 (Oct 1941)". These light MGs were the main infantry and squad level machine guns used during all the early invasions of the Philippines and China as well as throughout the war and were eventually being out matched (but not replaced) by the Type 99 7.7mm MG. This model fired a special lower powered version of the standard 6.5mm rifle round intended to reduce the muzzle flash, lower the cyclic rate and prevent parts breakages. They were an exceptionally well manufactured, light weight machine gun with a beautiful blued finish and a high quality hardwood stock and pistol grip. They employed several features copied from the foreign machine guns such as a, top loading 30 round detachable box magazine, attached folding bipod, off-set front and rear sights with a rotating elevation dial on the back, quick change, finned barrel to aid in cooling of the barrel to prevent "cook-offs" during long strings of firing and were fitted with an attached carrying handle for rapid movement in the field. This light machine gun is complete with one magazine and a type 30 bayonet. Currently this weapon is registered as a fully functional, NFA/SOT Class III Firearm. However it has been deactivated by welding a plug in the chamber and then by removing the barrel latch lever and then welding a plug weld inside the hole to secure the barrel to the receiver.

Very fine as made in Dewat with 85% of the original blue/black finish having darkened in many areas, showing handling marks and wear from actual use during WWII. The buttstock is in very good condition with 75% of its original wartime finish showing numerous handling marks and light scratches from actual wartime use. Currently the gun hand cycles and dry fires correctly however it has been deactivated as noted above. It has the rare all matching serial numbers on the visible parts including the bolt and barrel assembly. Certainly this would be one worth reactivating! NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), Fully Automatic Weapon that is currently registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATF&E) that 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.