This is a solid representative example of an early WWII Japanese Type 96 Light Machine Gun as produced by the Chuo Kogyo Kaisha factory under Kokura Arsenal in Dec 1938, (Showa date 13.12).This series of light machine guns, as developed by General Nambu was approved for use in 1936/1937 but were not available in sizeable quantities until late 1940. The side of the receiver is marked with the four intertwined cannon balls of the Kokura Arsenal over the serial number "3413" over the noted Showa date. This was one of the main infantry and squad level machine guns used throughout the war by the Japanese, especially during the early invasion of the Philippines and China. They were eventually supplemented and over taken by the Type 99 7.7mm MG. This model fired a special lower powered version of the standard 6.5mm rifle round intended to reduce the muzzle flash, lower the cyclic rate and prevent parts breakages. They were a well manufactured, light weight machine gun with a beautiful blued finish and a high quality hardwood stock and pistol grip. They employed several features copied from the foreign machine guns such as a, top loading 30 round detachable box magazine, folding bipod, off-set front and rear sights with a rotating elevation dial on the side, a quick-change finned barrel to aid in cooling of the barrel to prevent "cook-offs" during long strings of firing, and they were fitted with an attached carrying handle for rapid movement in the field. This light machine gun is complete with one magazine.

Fine with 80% of its blued finish remaining overall showing even honest wear across all the metal surfaces mixed with a light brown spotting patina. The wood components are all in very good condition with their original dark color showing small handling marks and light pressure dents overall with the carrying handle having a small chip on the front end. 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.