I can't explain it, I've just never seen them go for much. They are fairly common at the shows and flea markets. Some guys price them around $400 but they don't seem to sell them.
I picked up my Type 99 in February for $90
Type 99 auction rifle
And my Type 38 in June for $160 (with mum)
Wish me luck
Now it could be that they looked like crap when I bought them, I don't know. Seems like most around here are not cleaned up much. The exceptions being the flea market guys that are asking $400.