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.

Very good as deactivated, retains 60% arsenal refinished blue finish with some scattered patches of light to moderate pitting and brown patina. Wood buttstock is fair with numerous scattered dings, dents, scratches, a few mild chips, and a crack ahead of the top left of the buttplate. Approximately 1 1/2 inches of the breech is plugged and welded shut with lead and the right of the barrel at the breech is welded, rendering the item inoperable, otherwise the bolt cycles as it should, although it sticks to the rear occasionally, and the feed system functions properly. 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.