UBB.threads Forums General Militaria Historic and Period Firearms Forum *** Rifle?

I just got this Japanese Rifle from the Navy Vet who brought it home after WWII. It has been in his house since he came home, and he never even fired it. He was an armourer on the Essex Class Carrier USS Antietam. He told me that they brought these rifles on to the ship and handed them out to everyone on board! I wanted to share that story, and also ask what model I have here? It is about 50 1/2" long (longer than my Ariska Type 99). Also, what does the Japanese writing on the sling mean?

Regards,

Chief

next picture;

another one;

no "mum", or evidence of grinding;

the writing on the sling;

more writing;

close up of the first;

there was also a wooden tag on it;

the tag again;

back of the tag;

Even though it's not worth a lot, it was really nice getting it from the Vet himself, and then hearing how he got it. I did not know that they would bring a couple thousand rifles onto a carrier and just hand them out to the crew!

Please take a look and tell me the type, and what the sling says.

Thanks a lot for looking!

Chief

Chief,
It looks to be an Italian made contract rifle made for the Japanese navy. It is referred to as the type I. It fires 6.5 mm Japanese ammo. Can't help with the kanji or tag.

Mazz

Yes, it's a Type I. Most of these seemed to have received little use and sometimes show up in almost mint condition.