This is a very fine example of an WWII Japanese Type 97 sniper rifle complete with the 2.5X sniper scope and sling. This rifle was produced at the Chigusa factory under Nagoya Arsenal, and the top of the receiver is marked with the Imperial chrysanthemum over the Japanese Kana markings for "Type 97". The rear sight has the long staff without the anti-aircraft wings, and the rear barrel band has no provisions for a monopod block. The buttstock is the two-piece type without drain holes but with a short hand guard and flat steel buttplate. The top rear section of the scope is marked: "2.5 X 10 (degrees)/inverted triangle mark/No.10269" with rifle serial number "9696" stamped on the side of the scope mount. It is complete with a non-matching dust cover, cleaning rod and bread bag strap attached to the sling swivels.

Very fine with 85% of the original blue finish overall, edge and high spot wear, and blue loss and fine pitting on top of the front exposed section of the barrel and front barrel band. The stock and handguard are in fine condition with a dark brown color overall showing numerous light pressure dents and dings and a small chip of wood missing on each side of the rear sight base. The scope retains 90% of its black finish overall with viewable optics with a dark spot in the center of the cross-hair/reticle. The locking lever is slightly bent.