Japanese Arisaka Type 99 Short rifle

[usabaker]

Hi Friends,
I am looking for a bit of help on value. One of my friends invited me a friend to look at what I believe to be a Japanese Arisaka Type 99 Short rifle. The rifle has almost no wear on the bolt, follower, or receiver areas where the bolt rides; you can see this in the pictures. The barrel is immaculate. The MUM is intact and beautiful.

The gentleman who owns the rifle is in his 80's and is looking to find a new home for it because he has no one to leave it to who has an interest in guns. He would like it to someone who will appreciate its history and how it came into his family's possession. The problem is he doesn't know what the value of the rifle is. I told him that I would seek the help of the MILSRUP forums members.

While it doesn't add to the monetary value of the rifle, the story behind the rifle is a nice one. Before the war, this gentleman's uncle immigrated to the United States. When the Japanese attached Peral Harbor and the Philippines, his uncle had just opened a Shoe Repair business and was engaged to be married.

The attack on America and his love for his new country drove him to join the United States Marines immediately. I was shipped to MCRD San Deigo for his basic training. He eventually ended up Island hopping fighting on the various islands, forgive me but there were at least four he told me about, but I only remember SAIPAN and Guadacanal
During the time between the first Island fight and Guadacanal, he picked up this Arisaka and was somehow able to mail it home to his nephews, one of them the gentleman wanting to find a home for it.

He remembers when it arrived, it was in a long wooden box that he says looked to be soaked in oil. When his father opened the box, this rifle and the bayonet (misplaced now) were in it. He remembers playing "war" with the rifle as a kid and firing it once later in life. But, for most of the rifle's life, it has just been sitting stored.

Any history and value estimate you could provide would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

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