This is an excellent example of a late production WWII Japanese Type 99 LMG that is fitted with one of the rare late war optical sights. This model was developed in 1939 as a replacement for the Type 96 LMG and fired the new, heavier, standard 7.7mm Japanese cartridge. These were a very successful light machine gun that was used throughout the war by the Japanese forces in all of the various homeland islands and occupied territories. They are very similar to the earlier Type 96 in configuration and function, but they have a forward mounted folding bipod, a new finned quick change barrel with a top mounted carrying handle and a fully adjustable mono-pod attached to the underside of the buttstock. These were very well made machine guns that featured all machined parts and hardwood buttstocks and pistol grips. The right side of the receiver has the four intertwined cannon balls of the Kokura Arsenal next to the arsenal inspectors mark and several Kana markings/the series mark/serial number over the Showa date of 19.5 (May 1944). This really nice example has all matching visible numbers, to include the barrel, bolt and gas regulator. It is fitted with an original late war optical sighting device that is mounted on top and to the right side of the receiver. The sight is marked with "2.5 X 13 (degrees)/factory symbol/No3136". The sight has a range finding reticle that is graduated 1-14 (100-1400 meters). It is complete with its original bipod, original leather sling, one magazine and an original Type 30 hook bayonet. The weapon hand cycles and dry fires correctly.

Very fine with 95% plus of its blue finish overall showing light thinning and oxidation overall. The wood components are all in very fine condition with the same matching color/grain pattern and varnish, showing only minor/light handling marks in some areas. The exceptional optical sight retains 95% of its original black painted finish and the optics are clear and sharp. 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.