Manufactured by the Kokura Arsenal and bearing the Showa date of 17.3 (March 1942), this is a fine example of the Japanese Type 99 Machine Gun. Introduced as the Imperial Japanese Army was transitioning to the 7.7mm Arisaka as their chief infantry cartridge, the 99 was introduced to replace the 6.5mm Type 96, with a few additional alterations made to improve reliability. Fitted with a fluted barrel with on-board carry handle, conical flash hider, hand-adjustable gas tube with bipod and bayonet lug, and left-offset sights with a windage and elevation adjustable rear peep. The magazine is top-loading, with a spring loaded ejection port cover, non-reciprocating bolt handle, and 2-position safety. Mounted directly behind the magazine well is a 2.5x13 scope numbered "12988". Fitted with a ribbed pistol grip and a smooth hardwood buttstock with a steel buttplate and folding monopod. With a bayonet, 19 7/8 inches overall with a 15 1/2 inch blade, straight guard, smooth grip and a steel sheath.

About good as assembled (replacement barrel), with 75% of the blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, as well as some scattered handling marks. The rear of frame shows some refinish due to repair. The grip and stock show a number of dings and dents. Scope is fair, with the optics a bit spotted and dim. Mechanically fine.