SOLD - Arisaka Type 30 With "Hook" Safety

Description

9/12/23 - This is a nice example of an Arisaka Type 30 rifle with a "Hook" Safety. Most people are familiar with the Type 38 Arisaka, which was one of the two very distinctive Japanese rifles of World War II (along with the Type 99). The Type 38 was an outstanding rifle in large part because it was the result of several years of experience and development which began in 1897 with the Type 30 “Hook Safety” Arisaka. This first Japanese smallbore military rifle was designed by a committee (led by Col. Arisaka) from the best elements of other rifles being made at the time. It used a bolt which was significantly more complex than the elegant Type 38 bolt which would follow later. This one is mismatched and has a ground Imperial mum stamp on the receiver. The metal parts have retained about 93% of their finish. There is general high edge wear, some thinning on the front barrel band, very light freckling on the receiver, and some patina and pitting on the floor plate. The wood furniture shows the typical signs of wear. The bore has light surface oxidation and minor pitting throughout. Comes with brass muzzle cap.