This is an exceptional example of an early Type 44 Calvary carbine that was manufactured by the Koishikawa (Tokyo) Arsenal, with the early short type first variation front bayonet housing with assembly number "5325" ("Military Rifles of Japan, 2nd Edition", Honeycutt, pg 68). It has no series marking to the left of the serial number and the "four cannonball" Koishikawa Arsenal marking with two inspection stamps after. The top of the chamber has a beautiful unground Imperial Japanese Chrysanthemum, over the kana markings for Type "44". The top of the rear receiver bridge and the left rear end of the barrel both carry the Arsenal firing proofs, that consist of a small triangle inside a circle, with the small letter "B" proof on the barrel. The matching bolt body is the early polished version with a plum shaped handle. It has the standard short staff rear sight and the fixed inverted "v" front sight with guards, with the 13 1/2 inch triangular shaped spike bayonet. The floorplate has the matching last three digits "953". It has the original Type 44 pistol grip stock, left side mounted sling swivels, with a flat butt containing a small storage compartment for the two-piece cleaning rod, which is absent one of the two pieces. Includes brown leather sling with Japanese arsenal markings on the underside.

Excellent, retaining 95% bright blue finish with light handling marks on the bayonet housing and muzzle, some light spotting on the knob of the original polished bolt handle, with nice straw colors on the bolt release and rear sight spring. Wood is very fine with light dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent.