arisaka type 38 with intact mum

[jwherold]

Hello, all. I am new to the forum and don't know much about WW2 rifles, other than what various countries used. I have an Arisaka type 38 with intact mum. I don't know anything else about it. It's in decent shape for it's age and has the knife style bayonet and sheath. The bolt operates like it should. I've never fired it. It was my grandfather's and I got it after he pasted away. It's been sitting in my closet for a couple years now, and I really have no use for it at this time. I'd love to collect old military weapons, and actually wish to one day have each country's main battle rifle from WW2 in a display case. But right now, feeding the kids and paying the bills comes first, ya know? So, any help with the value on this rifle would be greatly appreciated.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Very nice 38.All I can say is if it had belonged to my grandfather and it had been passed to me it would be priceless to me. If it is a wartime bring back you might try to locate the paperwork (if any) that go along with it which would add to the value. The rifle and bayonet appear in very similar unmolested condition and the bayonet and frog value is easily to determine (sold prices on e-bay) matching serial numbered parts will add value as well as the intact mum. My advice, document as much as you can enjoy it and pass it on. Thanks for sharing.

[Aragorn243]

For top dollar, the parts all have to match. Depending on when it was made, the parts may or may not match the last three digits of the serial number. If the three numbers on the other parts do not match the serial but do all match each other, they are the build number. All parts with the exception of the serial number should match this number.

Rifle does look in good shape, some mild surface rust that should not pose any serious issues. Bayonet is a bit rough but having the frog is a big plus.

If it were mine, I'd find another way to feed the kids. A one time sale of this rifle will only be a momentary windfall. They are also rapidly going up in value so holding onto it now is a more sure investment for the future.

Bayonet you can indeed see on ebay, don't go by what some guys want for them, go by what they sell for. The manufacturer does make a difference and you can find that but looking at the symbols on the base of the blade. If a common manufacturer, with the frog, you might be looking at $85-$125 or so in the rough condition it's in.

Rifle again depends on if it is matching or not. Condition it's in and non-matching probably looking at $250 minimum. Matching could put it anywhere from $300-$500 depending on the buyer. It all depends on the buyer however. I picked one up with mum but non-matching for $180, condition not as nice as yours. The manufacturer of the rifle can make a difference to if it is an uncommon one.

[NRA]

To add to the good advise Aragorn stated, Please do not try to improve the condition (surface rust) yourself. If you do not know what you are doing you can destroy the value of this rifle.