This is an exceptional example of an early WWII Japanese Type 97 sniper rifle complete with the 2.5X sniper scope and an original rubberized canvas scope can. This rifle was produced at the Chigusa factory under Nagoya Arsenal. The top of the receiver is marked with the Royal Chrysanthemum (partially removed) over the Japanese Kana markings for "Type 97". Bolt is fully blued with a handle that has been bent to the correct sniper configuration. The rear sight has the long staff without the anti-aircraft wings and the rear barrel band has provisions for a monopod block. The buttstock is the two-piece type without drain holes but with a short handguard and flat steel buttplate. The top rear section of the scope is marked "2.5 X 10 (degrees)/NIKKO/No.987" with a non-matching serial number "4038" stamped on the side of the scope mount.

Near excellent (mum ground) with 95% of the original blue finish. Displaying areas of edge wear, scattered small dings and pitting that has been cleaned and blued over. The wood is fine with light pressure indentations throughout, some heavier dents are also present as well as some scratches and chips. Mechanically excellent.