Lot 608: Training Model Japanese Type 96 Light Machine Gun

Rarely seen in American collections, this is a scarce Japanese military training machine gun. Developed around the same mindset as other low-powered "school" weapons intended to introduce Japanese students to the fundamentals of military drill, this is a simplified, open bolt, straight blowback weapon intended for use with lower powered drill ammunition. Using a lighter charge and a simpler mechanism, these training machine guns were less expensive and easier to make than their service-grade counterparts, while still providing an experience that would translate to the real thing. Fitted with a left offset blade front sight and a similarly positioned peep rear sight, with a heavily finned barrel, a faux gas tube/bayonet mount, fixed carrying handle, and a smooth pistol grip and buttstock. A bipod set is installed on the barrel swivel, with an "anchor" mark on top of the receiver and a boxed set of school-style markings on the left side of the buttstock. Magazine absent.

Very good, with 80% of the dull refinished blue, showing areas of plum patina, covered pitting, and mild handling marks. The receiver tube and trigger housing are numbered to match, with mixed numbers on the bolt and magazine well. The wood shows a number of scuffs and dents, with some chipping around the tangs, otherwise good. Mechanically fine. NOTE: This weapon is 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.