This is a fine example of an early, dewated, authentic WWII Japanese Type 96 Light Machine Gun produced by the Chuo Kogyo factory under Kokura Arsenal in September 1941. This series of light machine guns was developed by General Nambu and approved for use in 1936/1937; however, they were not available in any large quantities until late 1940/41. The side of the receiver is marked the four intertwined cannon balls of the Kokura Arsenal over the serial number "48607" over the Showa date of "16.9 (Sept 1941)". This series of light MG was the main infantry and squad level machine guns that was used during all the early pre-war invasions in the Philippines and China. They continued to be used throughout WWII, eventually being out matched (but not replaced) 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 which lowered the cyclic rate and prevented part breakages. They were exceptionally well made, being all fully machined with hand fitted parts with a beautiful blued finish. They featured a top loading 30 round detachable box magazine, off-set front and rear sights with a rotating elevation dial on the back, a finned, quick change barrel which aided in cooling, to help prevent cook-offs during long strings of firing. They were also fitted with a carrying handle for rapid movement in the field. This light machine gun is complete with one magazine. Currently this weapon is registered as being unserviceable as it has been deactivated by welding the rear area of the barrel to the receiver; (a small arc-weld spot on each side of the barrel at the edge of the receiver) with a plug in the chamber. This example comes with its bipod, spare op rod and recoil spring, but lacks its flash hider.

Fine with 80% of the blue finish still remaining overall with the balance a brown patina, mixed with some light rust spots from lack of oiling or cleaning. The three wood components are all in very fine condition with a nice original WWII orangeish wood finish showing minor handling marks on the sides. NOTE: This is a registered DEWAT weapon with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), as a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, that is fully transferable. It has been classified as a Curio 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.