This is a very rare example of an early experimental Japanese Type 38 sniper rifle that is complete with two original Type 5 Sniper Scopes. This is considered to be the earliest Imperial Japanese Army infantry sniper rifle, and it's estimated that only 200 were ever manufactured. Only four example of this rare sniper rifle are even known to exist, an only three of the associated Type 5 sniper scopes are known to exist. There is almost no information on this series of rifles aside from a single line drawing and one poor photograph of an example of this type of rifle shown on page 80 of the book, "Military Rifles of Japan" by Honeycutt/Anthony, (first edition). It is believed that this model was produced on an experimental basis by the Kokura Arsenal probably in the late 1920s or early 1930 and may have been the forerunner for the later Type 97 sniper that was produced by the Kokura Arsenal starting in 1937. This example is basically a Type 38 rifle with the receiver marked with the early Tokyo Arsenal markings of a small circular triangle proof followed by a capital "S". The receiver has the full chrysanthemum over the Kana markings for Type 38. On the left side of the receiver is a slightly longer sniper scope base that is held on by five screws. The top of the scope base is serial numbered "218". It is fitted with a non-matching all blued sniper bolt that is numbered "068" on the underside and the cocking knob. It has a 31 inch long barrel that is fitted standard Type 38 front and rear sights. It is fitted with a standard Type 38 two-piece, full length buttstock and forend with finger grooves on the sides and early machined barrel bands. The front band is numbered "378", and the lower band is unnumbered. It comes with an original but incomplete Type 5 sniper scope that is also serial numbered "218" on the lower part of the scope. It has a two-piece dovetail mount setup on the back side that is stamped with assembly number "19" on both parts. This lot also comes with another, all original Type 5 sniper scope that is numbered "176" on the lower part that also has the same two-piece dovetail mount assembly that is numbered "197" on both parts. The scope measures approximately 9 inch long and has a large elevation knob on top that is calibrated "1-20" (100-2000meters). It is marked on the rear of the scope: "4 X 6" degrees/Kana markings/NIKKO/No. 688". It has an all blued metal finish. Obviously, this last scope may indicate that there were a few hundred of these early experimental rifles and scopes actually manufactured at one time; however, almost no examples have been seen today.

Fine with 70% of the blue finish overall with light wear overall from actual use. The markings are clear and distinct. The stock and handguard are both in good condition with a nice matching medium color, light handling marks and scratches on the sides, and the right side of the stock showing two shrapnel or bullet strikes. One is at the rear of the finger groove, and the other is 4 inches behind the front barrel band. The matching scope, as noted, is incomplete and retains approximately 20% of its black painted finish overall with the complete front and rear ocular pieces (lens and end pieces) missing along with all the retaining screws. The second scope retains approximately 85% of its black painted finish overall and has clear optics with several heavier/larger black specs inside. A rare and almost impossible variation to find for the advanced collector.