This is a scarce example of a mid-production Type 97 sniper rifle manufactured by the Kokura Arsenal. These early rifles all exhibited a very high quality level of part fitting, blue finish and are considered some of the best Japanese rifles produced during WWII. Only approximately 7,950 of Type 97 rifles were produced by the Kokura Arsenal which places the serial number of this rifle as being produced about mid-way in the production run before Kokura converting to the Type 99 series of sniper rifles. The chrysanthemum on top of the receiver has been removed; however, the Kanji markings for Type 97 remain. The left side of the receiver is marked with serial number "5144" and directly behind that is the four intertwined cannon ball symbol of the Kokura Arsenal. The receiver is fitted with a correct scope base which is fitted with a very early 2.5x Japanese scope. The top rear area of the scope is marked, "2.5 X 10/over (an inverted triangle inside a circle)/No.24372", with the lower side of scope mount numbered "80". The scope is fitted with the correct sniper type reticle marked 200-1,400 meters. The rifle has the early all machined barrel bands, trigger guard and floor plate with the correct later pattern lower barrel band with the base for the monopod which is still attached. It has the correct turned down bolt handle, numbered "114" on the underside with a matching safety and dust cover. The barrel is fitted with the inverted "V" front sight with guards and the correct early long staff style rear sight as used on the Type 38 and Type 97 rifles that is graduated from 400 to 2,400 meters. It has its original two-piece hardwood stock with the short hand guard and the polished buttplate. The rifle is complete with a earlier style leather sling.

Very fine with 70% plus of the original blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with blue loss/browning on the floor plate and the top of the receiver where the chrysanthemum was removed. The stock and handguard is in fine condition showing minor light handling marks on the sides from use and handling. Mechanically excellent. The scope retains 95% of it black painted finish overall with clear viewable optics showing some specks inside.