Capture Papers

I'm looking at a Series 25 Kokura Type 38. It comes with a Hoten bayonet and what appears to be the original sling. The bolt is all matching but doesn't match the receiver. It has the dust cover but I couldn't find a serial number on it. It has the "capture papers" from the US Navy dated 1946 listing the rifle with serial number and a bayonet. Seller is asking $1,000 and I'm not sure if it's worth it. Sorry, I cant send pictures but the condition is ok with light surface rust. Any advice? Thanks!

I wouldn't pay that much for it.

Hoten bayonet is a good one, one of the rarer ones and alone can sell for $200 in good condition and has the scabbard. Slings are also rare if original and condition can make a huge difference here as well. Original dust covers usually have serial numbers on them but doesn't seem likely a rifle picked up in 1946 would still have one, most were discarded early so could easily be one a previous owner put on it. Capture papers are a plus, how much depends on the buyer. Kokura is one of the most common rifle manufacturers so nothing special there, same with the series #. Surface rust takes it out of the better conditions also. Kokura arsenal was one that used assembly numbers so the bolt may actually be matching based on that. You don't mention if the mum is intact or not. That can be a $100 difference right there.

Too many variables to value it at $1000 without a lot more information. Basic rifle without mum in average condition $300, with mum +100, sling +100 or more, papers +100 (maybe), bayonet +150, bolt matches assembly number +100, dust cover a wash without matching serial number. And all these estimates can go up or down depending on actual condition.

I'm still seeing Type 38's sell for under $300, Hoten bayonets for around $100. I don't see either original slings or papers come up that often.

Thanks!! Just the advice I needed!

The seller wouldn't budge off $1000 so the deal didnt happen. I did find a nice old 1936 Tula 91/30 with matching bolt and receiver hidden away in a corner of another booth and picked it up for $190. The seller with the Type 38 felt he could get 1500 for it in Reno. I learned a lot and will be ready the next time a Type 38 pops up.

Glad you got something worthwhile. I can't imagine a Type 38 as you described bringing $1500. They don't bring as much as Type 99's normally and it appears what he has is a common example in not the best shape. My pricing is east coast pricing but I've heard that Japanese rifles are more common on the west coast. Being in California, I have no idea how that affects pricing on an old bolt action. The sling is probably the biggest question mark. A serious collector might pay a lot for a sling in good condition. I don't collect slings so I don't pay attention closely to the intricacies of them. All I know is if you want to shoot the rifle, you generally have to take the sling off to preserve it and getting it off can break it. Not my idea of collecting something.

Guy sounds like a real winner. I think you were wise to pass. I like how his price increases 50 percent for another show....