This is an exceptional early example of a very desirable and fully operational WWII Japanese Type 99 LMG. This model was developed in 1939 as a replacement for the Type 96 LMG and fired the new, heavier 7.7mm Japanese cartridge. These weapons proved to be very successful throughout the war by all the Japanese forces on the Japanese held islands as well as mainland China. They were very similar to the earlier Type 96 in configuration and function, as they are fitted with a forward mounted folding bipod, a quick change barrel with cooling fins, a top mounted carrying handle and a fully adjustable mono-pod attached to the underside of the buttstock. These were a very well made machine gun that featured all machined parts with a hardwood buttstock and pistol grip. The right side of the receiver has the four intertwined cannon balls of the Kokura Arsenal next to the Arsenal inspector's mark with several Kana markings/the series mark/serial number (1024) over the show a date of 17.9 (Sept 1942). As noted, this weapon is fully operational and it has the rare all matching visible numbers on the various parts.

Very fine with 90% plus of the original Japanese blued finish overall with wear and slight blue loss on the edge and high spots overall mixed with some general light browning of the finish due to age and use. The wood components are in fine condition with their original oil finish showing numerous handling marks and light pressure dents/scratches on the sides. There is some light battering around the bayonet lug area. This is a very scarce example of an early production WWII Japanese Type 99 Light Machine Gun. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is 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.