Rare WWII Japanese T99 Light Machine Gun manufactured by the "Hitachi" Company under the supervision of the Kokura Arsenal and bearing the Showa date of "17.3" (March 1942). This model was designed to replace the earlier Type 96, chambered in the smaller 6.5mm with the new improved/heavier 7.7mm cartridge. This model had significant improvements to reliability and became the standard WWII Imperial Japanese Army light machine gun using the new 7.7mm cartridge. This was the same cartridge used in the Arisaka infantry rifles. The right side of the receiver is correctly stamped with the intertwined symbol of the Kokura Arsenal followed by the small circular symbol for the "Hitachi" Company. Standard fluted barrel with carry handle, conical flash hider, hand-adjustable gas tube with bipod and bayonet lug. It is fitted with left-offset sights with a windage and elevation adjustable rear peep. It has a top-mounted detachable clip/magazine, with a spring loaded ejection port cover and a 2-position safety. Fitted with an original 2.5x13 optical sight/scope numbered "10761". It has the original issue ribbed pistol grip and a smooth hardwood buttstock with a steel buttplate. With a bayonet (Jinsen Arsenal, 20 inches OAL, 15 5/8 inch blade, wood grip, metal sheath with canvas frog), a wrench, two firing pins, and a green painted Japanese helmet. This weapon was deactivated at one point and it now comes with documentation that it has been professionally reactivated and converted to fire the 308 Win/7.62 NATO cartridge.