This is an example of a desirable early Kokura Arsenal WWII Japanese Type 99 LMG that has been deactivated. This model was developed in 1939 as a replacement for the Type 96 LMG which fired the new and heavier 7.7mm Japanese cartridge. These weapons proved to be very successful and were used by Japanese forces throughout the war on the Japanese held islands as well as mainland China. They were very similar to the earlier Type 96 in configuration and function in that they were fitted with a forward mounted folding bipod, a quick change barrel with cooling fins, a top mounted carrying handle and an adjustable mono-pod attached to the underside of the buttstock. These were very well made machine guns that featured all machined parts with a hardwood buttstocks and pistol grip. The right side of the receiver has the four intertwined cannon balls of the Kokura Arsenal next to the arsenal inspector's mark with several Kana markings/the series mark/serial number (1338) over the showa date of 17.10 (Oct 1942). It has the original WWII Japanese hardwood buttstock, pistol grip and carrying handle. As noted, this weapon is fully transferable, but it has been lightly dewated by welding the chamber area of the barrel and tack welding the rear edge of the barrel to the front edge of the receiver in just two small spots. It has all matching visible serial numbers (1338) on the various parts. It is missing the flash hider, and the magazine is absent.

Fine as deactivated with 75% of the original WWII blue finish overall showing general light wear and blue loss on the edges and high spots, with slightly more thinning on the rear of the receiver behind the rear sight where it was held or carried. The wood components are all original and in very fine condition with a nice original oil finish with the buttstock showing some heavier pressure dents and scratches from field use. 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.