This is a rare example of what is commonly called by collectors a Type 38 folding stock paratrooper carbine. This series of rifle is briefly discussed on page 138-139 of the book: "Military Rifles of Japan - 2nd Edition" by Honeycutt/Anthony. These were actually produced only by the Nagoya Arsenal for a very short time using the standard Type 38 carbine. Nagoya just pulled completed series 4 and 5 carbines from stock and modified them by cutting off the buttstock and adapting it by adding a door-hinge type mechanism at the rear of the receiver (matching "AA47" assembly numbers are present on right hinge and stock tang). Documented serial numbers from the "fifth" series are from "4094-5217". The right side of the stock has the simple hinge like mechanism secured to the stock with wood screws. The stock swings to the right for storage. The left side has the heavier simple hinge locking latch, also secured to the stock with wood screws, and a stud and a wing nut lock on the left side to secure the stock in the open/locked position. The whole assembly proved to be a terrible design as it was very weak and fragile with the stock usually split up the middle behind the receiver, rendering the carbine useless. It was soon dropped from production after a few thousand were made with most being reconverted back into the standard Type 38 carbine. The receiver has the Royal Chrysanthemum intact over the Kana markings for Type 38. The side wall has a series five next to serial number "4369" followed by the Nagoya Arsenal mark. It has a blue straight plum shaped bolt handle with all matching numbers with a correct/original matching numbered dust cover. The barrel is fitted with the short staff Type 38 rear sight and inverted "v" front sight. The hinge mechanism and buttplate are crudely stamped with a couple subinspector marks towards the top edge. It has a two-piece stock with finger grooves on the sides with a full length handguard and a cupped buttplate. It is complete with an original cleaning rod and a very rare matching sliding dust cover.

Very fine with 80% plus of the original blued finish overall with the hinge mechanism having 75% of its original black painted type finish. The stock and handguard are both in fine condition with its original wartime varnish showing numerous handling marks and light dings and gouges overall from use in the filed. As noted, it has matching numbers on the complete bolt assembly, dust cover and front barrel band. A very fine example of a rare Type 1 Japanese paratrooper carbine.