Description:

JAPANESE TYPE 38 RIFLE
Early Japanese Type 38 'Arisaka' infantry rifle, 30.25 in. barrel, 50 in. overall, 6.5x50mm. Manufactured by the Koishikawa arsenal at Tokyo, no series mark, serial number 453789. Receiver ring marked '3-8 Model' vertically in kanji, with 'mum' ground off. Bolt, firing pin, and other small parts are independently serialized, typical of these rifles, and show a few spots of oxidation. The bore is dark and could use a good cleaning, but the rifling retains strong lands and grooves, with the crown undamaged and well-defined. All blued metal parts retain their original finish, showing even wear overall, with some oxidation to the trigger guard, magazine floorplate, butt plate, and other unblued components. The stock has been refinished, and the rifle is fitted with a reproduction leather sling. Sold with a Type 30 bayonet, 15.5 in. blade, 20 in. overall, marked at the tang as manufactured by the Koishikawa or Kokura arsenals. The blade has been lightly sharpened and shows some spots of oxidation overall. The steel scabbard is straight with no dents or other damage, and is fitted with a reproduction leather frog. Firearms sold in auction have not been thoroughly taken down by a professional gunsmith, therefore it is recommended that a full assessment be conducted by a qualified gunsmith before attempting to shoot or otherwise operate any firearm. Alexander Historical Auctions assumes no responsibility, financial, liable, or otherwise, in making any firearm safely and fully functional. That is completely the responsibility of the end buyer. Transferred only where permitted by law. All firearm purchases must be completed through a Federal Firearms License holder, and the purchaser is responsible for all associated fees. No shipping outside of the United States.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

November 13, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000