This is a scarce example of an early Japanese Type 11 light machine gun as adopted in 1922. The top of the receiver has a long section of Kanji markings followed by the serial number "10522" on the end. The right side is marked with the Nagoya Arsenal symbol followed by the Showa date of 10.6 (1935, June). This weapon was actually a modified French Hotchkiss design that fired a special reduced charged 6.5 mm Japanese cartridge. This same round was also used in the later Type 96 LMG and was intended to have a lower signature flash to help disguise the location of the Japanese soldier. One of the interesting aspects of this MG is that the rounds are feed by a hopper mechanism located on the left side of the action. This large hopper was designed to use the 5-round rifle stripper clips with the noted cartridge. There was a large, spring loaded cover over the hopper that they had to lift, then the loaded stripers were laid flat in the hopper so that they feed the cartridges fed sideways into the side of the action. This series of machine guns can be easily distinguished by the very radically curved semi-horizontal steel pistol grip that was attached to the wooden buttstock. This pistol grip/buttstock configuration provided an easy way to carry or hold when in the firing position as well when on the move through the jungle. These were fitted with a larger, heavier type barrel that had circular cooling fins running all the way down the barrel and had no flash hider. They also were equipped with a long barrel mounted folding bipod. A very scarce example of an early WWII Japanese Type 11 (Model 1922) light machine gun.

Fine with 40% of the original blue finish still remaining overall (mostly in the protected areas) with the balance of the metal having a fading/thinning gray/brown oxidized finish that is mixed with extensive scattered area of fine pitting. The wooden portion buttstock is very dark and oily, and it shows numerous handing marks and light pressure dents on the sides. The markings are clear and distinct, and it certainly has the appearance of actually having been used during the early days of WWII. The major parts all have matching visible serial numbers. It appears to be all complete and hand cycles and dry fires correctly; however, the bolt sticks to the rear sometimes, so it may have a weak mainspring. A great example of an actually used WWII Japanese Type 11 Nambu 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.