Japanese Arisaka Type 99 Short rifle

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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By any chance do you have the bring back papers and original shipping box? That would greatly add to the value. Some one will tell you the series, I can not make it out? Also do you have the original sling? Is the cleaning rod missing? maybe removed for photos? That is a winner.
Is the bolt matching 838? I cannot make out the photo?

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Originally Posted by 72 usmc

By any chance do you have the bring back papers and original shipping box? That would greatly add to the value. Some one will tell you the series, I can not make it out? Also do you have the original sling? Is the cleaning rod missing? maybe removed for photos? That is a winner.
Is the bolt matching 838? I cannot make out the photo

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72_usmc No papers, I will have to ask about the sling and cleaning rod. Found the numbers... Yes its 838

Attachment 119290

Thank you for helping

baker-- Thanks for the post I have always like the early Type 99 with the chrome plated bores and bolt faces. Yours looks great. I have several which i shoot. The missing cleaning rod is not uncommon. I have one Type 99 that has battle damage from an exploding shell and you can see how he was holding the rifle when the shell went off. The previous owner must have been a chow hound as in place of the cleaning rod. I found a chop stick. I have seen several Type 99 with the chrome bores that look like new but the outside of the rifle looks like it had been through WWII. Thanks for sharing.

Any idea what range someone might buy this rifle for?

Your friend has a 23rd series T-99, made at Kokura Arsenal in probably early 1944.
The mono-pod, cleaning rod and dust cover are missing. The rear sight AA wings are not of Kokura manufacture.
Value is subjective in todays market with people throwing money at anything with a full mum. In my opinion it's worth $350 in shown condition, but on a popular auction site with excellent photographs it would probably fetch $600-$650.

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Originally Posted by jangle

In my opinion it's worth $350 in shown condition,

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Jangle, thank you for the help I really appreciate it.

Bill