Arisaka...
I'm wondering how much this gun is worth...it's not going to be sold, but I'm curious as to if it's worth anything.
Here's what I know:
It was sent back to America by a soldier from Iwo Jima when the fighting was over during WWII, given to the guys son who sold it to a friend (my Grandpa) when he was strapped for cash in the 90's. Pretty lame to sell something sentimental like that, but it's beside the point I guess.
I believe it's a type 99 Arisaka, still has the flower completely intact on top which is very rare from what I understand - as the Japanese filed them off both before capture in battle and post-war.
There are signs of wear all over the wood on the gun, but nothing damaging on the metal besides miniscule corrosion spots. The barrel and bolt areas are clean as can be.
It still has the original bayonet and dust cover (not pictured, but also in excellent condition). There are also two symbols on the side of the metal near the bolt that are also fully intact, I don't know if they are significant to the firearm's worth though.
Any ideas on what this may be worth?
Here's what I know:
It was sent back to America by a soldier from Iwo Jima when the fighting was over during WWII, given to the guys son who sold it to a friend (my Grandpa) when he was strapped for cash in the 90's. Pretty lame to sell something sentimental like that, but it's beside the point I guess.
I believe it's a type 99 Arisaka, still has the flower completely intact on top which is very rare from what I understand - as the Japanese filed them off both before capture in battle and post-war.
There are signs of wear all over the wood on the gun, but nothing damaging on the metal besides miniscule corrosion spots. The barrel and bolt areas are clean as can be.
It still has the original bayonet and dust cover (not pictured, but also in excellent condition). There are also two symbols on the side of the metal near the bolt that are also fully intact, I don't know if they are significant to the firearm's worth though.
Any ideas on what this may be worth?
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The main question not answered is: Do all the numbers match? All numbers should match the last 3 on the serial number on left side of receiver.
Assuming it is a battlefield pickup, sent home prior to wars end, they should. And I would estimate value in the $500. range. Thr monopod and sling is a definate plus!
Being an IWO JIMA relic would boost that a lot, IF there is original period documentation to prove it. W/o any documentation, the Iwo Jima story is just a story that adds no value (except to you). Add another $75. to $100. for the bayo.
If you'll post clear pics of the left side receiver markings, I can tell you much more about the rifle. Arsenal of MFG, Series etc. Nice T-99!0 -
I think it's readable in this picture, but if not then the serial is 43526...which to me sounds like a relatively low serial considering how many would've been made during wartime. Although the last three don't match which may be a downer to the "story".
As far as I know there is no documentation unless there would happen to be a letter home about it or something.
Do the other two emblems tell you anything interesting?
One other note that you can probably tell simply by the wood and serial number is that it is not a hollow body like they manufactured later in the war.
Thanks for the info!0 -
The symbol at the right end of the serial number is the Nagoya Arsenal mark.
The symbol at the left end is the series mark but I cannot read it to tell what it is. See the charts at:
http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/japanese_markings.html
The monopod, bayonet, and dust cover are plusses. Does it retain the antiaircraft sight bars?0 -
Monopod, cleaning rod, sling all a very positive influx in value. Check to see what numbers are on the bolt....and turn cocking knob to take it apart,,it is easily done, push and turn. and see what numbers you have inside the knob, firing pin..Looks righteous to me.[:)] 0 -
According to that page the symbol seems closest to the three, possibly the six. It's hard to tell without another picture to compare...
The AA sights are still intact and fully functional.
Numbers on the bolt are 918, firing pin is 526.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Hawk Carse
The symbol at the right end of the serial number is the Nagoya Arsenal mark.
The symbol at the left end is the series mark but I cannot read it to tell what it is. See the charts at:
http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/japanese_markings.html
The monopod, bayonet, and dust cover are plusses. Does it retain the antiaircraft sight bars?
Thanks, Hawk Carse
Good information on Arisaki's.0 -
It looks to me like a Nagoya series 6. Which would've been a mid war (late 42/1943) mfg. That's a bummer about the bolt. Very odd that the bolt doesn't match , but firing pin does.
Possible scenerio that two or more soldier were cleaning their rifles prior to shipping back home, and got them mixed up. A mismatched bolt detracts from value a bit. But your saving grace is the Monopod and sling. IMO you still have a $400. rifle. Close to $500. w/bayo.
FYI: You CAN NOT decock an Arisaka, like most other bolt action rifles. If you attempt to the likely result will a locked up bolt. Either leave the bolt open , or dry fire.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Fatstrat
It looks to me like a Nagoya series 6. Which would've been a mid war (late 42/1943) mfg. That's a bummer about the bolt. Very odd that the bolt doesn't match , but firing pin does.
Possible scenerio that two or more soldier were cleaning their rifles prior to shipping back home, and got them mixed up. A mismatched bolt detracts from value a bit. But your saving grace is the Monopod and sling. IMO you still have a $400. rifle. Close to $500. w/bayo.
FYI: You CAN NOT decock an Arisaka, like most other bolt action rifles. If you attempt to the likely result will a locked up bolt. Either leave the bolt open , or dry fire.
Sort of true. I hold the safety knob tightly and pull the trigger, easing down the firing pin. Don't try with a live round of course!
The bayonet is PROBABLY in the $100 range, but some makers are rarer, I've seen some go for twice that. Otherwise I agree with the price assessments given.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Dilhack
I think it's readable in this picture, but if not then the serial is 43526...which to me sounds like a relatively low serial considering how many would've been made during wartime. Although the last three don't match which may be a downer to the "story".
As far as I know there is no documentation unless there would happen to be a letter home about it or something.
Do the other two emblems tell you anything interesting?
One other note that you can probably tell simply by the wood and serial number is that it is not a hollow body like they manufactured later in the war.
Thanks for the info!
When soldiers sent/or brought back weapons as souvineers,They were issued "bring back papers" that documented when/where the weapon was acquired. And authorized possession or shipment of the weapon. These papers were commonly discarded upon arrival home. But if still available will add greatly to the historic collector value. If you know the original recepient of the rifle, it would be worthwhile to ask.0 -
Thanks for all the help guys. If you're right then it's worth more than I expected...Not that I'm a firearm expert at all, just considering how little Mosins and Mausers go for from the same period.
But, it's not a two million dollar holy grail either so I'll keep it on the wall for conversation.
I'll keep an eye on this thread just in case someone else has some input about this firearm - the history alone is really interesting to me.
Thanks again!0 -
I'll be checking with my Grandpa to see if he's still in contact with the original owner. He may have those papers or something similar... 0 -
Topics on this forum are typically locked after 10 replies. So if you need further info, start another thread titled Arisaka #2. 0 -
Dilhack......sorry I got on this thread a little late. Some Japanese rifles were mailed home w/o papers, APO San Fran CA...I know because I have one sent from Okinawa that is exactly like your rifle. But mine does not have the sling as yours does. Check the dust cover carefully along its outside rim to see if the very small numbers match your rifle's numbers...if so, that is great! Just having the dust cover and sling make the rifle much more desirable as both are rather rare...the soldiers threw away the covers as they made noise and gave positions away and the slings didn't last long in the jungle. Even repros today go for good money! I actually have the mailing crate with the APO sticker for my rifle, just as it arrived in San Fran, packed with the blue Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer papers that our guys drank by the ton! I have less (no sling, for example) than you have with your rifle and I would not take a dime less than $1k for it, so I disagree a bit with the pricing. Anyway, you have a valuable piece of our WWII history...treasure it! 0
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