This is a scarce example of a Japanese Type 11 light machine gun, as adopted in 1922. These machine guns saw combat in the Mukden Incident, Second Sino-Japanese War, and throughout World War II. The top of the receiver has a long section of Kanji markings followed by the serial number "25794" on the end. The right side is marked with the manufacturer symbol and the Showa date of 14.9 (1939, September). This weapon was actually a modified French Hotchkiss design that fired a special reduced charge 6.5 mm Japanese cartridge. This same round was also used in the later Type 96 LMG and was intended to have a lower signature flash to help disguise the location of the Japanese soldier. One of the interesting aspects of this MG is that the rounds are fed by a hopper mechanism located on the left side of the action. This hopper was designed for use with standard 5-round rifle stripper clips. A large spring loaded cover over the hopper is able to be lifted to allow access for loading, in which clips are laid flat in the hopper so they feed the cartridges sideways into the action. This series of machine guns is easily distinguished by the radically curved semi-horizontal steel pistol grip attached to the wooden buttstock. This pistol grip/buttstock configuration provides an easy way to carry or hold when in the firing position as well when on the move through the jungle. The barrel is equipped with large circular cooling fins. Equipped with bipod legs.