[Cabinetman]

Rules: First “I’ll take it” posted here wins. Feel free to email me directly with any questions or additional information but “I’ll take it” posted here will seal the deal.

Up for sale is an ALL MATCHING T99 Arisaka with capture papers from my collection. It’s a series 3 Nagoya Arsenal, serial # 49254 (1939-45). It’s in excellent condition, all original Urushi finish, never sanded. It has a mirror bore with strong lands and grooves, aircraft sights, and cleaning rod. It does not have a monopod but it’s my understanding that this particular rifle did not have one issued with it. The Mum is disfigured but visible. I’ve put only six rounds through it and this rifle is very accurate and functions perfectly. You would have to go quite a long way to find another example of a T99 in this good condition with this provenance. And, the provenance of this rifle is solid as it was purchased directly from the family of the vet who returned with it with the paperwork. I have two original copies of the capture papers which will accompany the rifle. Obviously there are no import marks and no cracks or splits. Bluing is conservatively 85%+.

I'll sell this rifle for $425, shipped to you in a hard case to your FFL or C&R address. I'm a C&R as well and we can swap papers. Postal money orders and personal checks are welcome as is Paypal if we can slip it by.

If you need any additional photos or information, please email me directly.

Thanks for looking.

Rome aka Cabinetman

 

[anarchy]

Hi,
If $425.00 includes shipping I'll take it.

 

[Cabinetman]

Sure. I'll ship to you via UPS. Please email me directly and provide contact info and we can get the ball rolling. You'll be very happy with this nice example of a true vet-bringback.

Thanks!

Rome

 

[David Edelen]

Hey Cabinet man?!?

Hello Cabinetman,
I need your opinion: I also have a Nagoya Arsenal, Series 3 just like yours. Mine is also missing cleaning rod, monopod, dustcover, sling, and side aircraft wings and has a ground mum whose outline is still visible. But mine has mismatched numbers but is in good shape and appears to have had the stock varnished or something at one time. I was glad to see your post because I was wondering what they are worth (I'm a beginner with Japanese stuff). I paid $200.00 for mine at a pawn shop. Do you think I paid too much?

I have since ordered repro parts for it from IMA and Sarco. Now with new, well made and beautifully blued cleaning rod, dustcover, sling, and side aircraft wings, it is beautiful and looks like it was just issued.

One more quick question; You said it was your understanding that this particular model did not come with a monopod. How did you get that opinion or where did you get that info? I was under the opinion that all early war T99s came with monopods. Just curious.
Thanks, and thanks for posting pics. Nice Rifle.
Dave
Alabama

 

[Cabinetman]

HI Dave.

I'm probably not the one to ask all those questions as there are a lot of guys here at the forum who are experts on these things. However, I'll try to address your specific questions.

First of all, the use of a monopod was discontinued at a particular point in production because of the lack of materials. I've read up a lot on these rifles (on all my rifles as a matter of fact). I eventually found this link which I think you'll find very helpful:

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-245954.html

Print if off for your library.

Regarding the other questions, what you paid is what you felt it was worth so it's not a matter of what any particular rifle is worth, if you're willing to buy it because you like it, it's that valuable to you. These rifles are NOT decreasing in value, too, but only increasing like so many others today. What will determine market value to someone is condition, however. Having the choice between two or three $200 T99s, I'm going to go with the one most original. And stock condition is also important as would be any missing original parts. Sanded and refinshed stocks will have less attraction to collector as opposed to one that looks sanded and has a replacement finish installed. The question is was your rifle refinished. Urushi is a semi-dull lacquer-type finish on an original stock. If your stock is really shiney, chances are it's replaced. That shiney stock can be redone correctly to reflect a more authentic finish, however, but obviously it can't be made original again. I'd suggest that you poke into the forum I mod over at Parallax. You'll gain a lot of insight to stock finishes there:

http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforums.yuku.com/forums/101

Do a search and you'll find Arisaka rifles discussed.

The ground Mum appears to be a bonus to a rifle, not a detrement since so many were disfigured. Lack of sights, however, is a downer. They can be found. I'd suggest that you try to locate original replacement parts. Try Numrich. They carry lots of bits and pieces for the T99. Repros won't increase the value. eBay also has pieces from time to time. Search for "Arisaka".

All in all it sounds like you've got a shooter there and you should enjoy it for what it was made for. If the barrel and chamber are good and bolt locks up properly you'll be good to go. They are fun to shoot! The one I got was part of a deal I worked and I lucked into. Because it was so pristine and has capture papers, it ranks up there with about the best you're going to find and thus the value is higher than a normal shooter example. Frankly, I could have auctioned it for more but Gunboards guys have all been so helpful that I decided to put a fair value on it and sell it outright to another collector. I'm happy it's going to a good home and especially to a trooper.

Feel free to email me off forum if you have specific questions, especially about the stock finish. I'd be happy to help with some suggestions.

Rome

 

[David Edelen]

Cabinet man,
Thanks for the info and all. You know, I have handled military weapons of WWII all my life, firing many, many times Enfields, Japanese, German, U.S., and Russian rifles. I have owned several Mosen-Nagants, an Enfield or two, several K98 Mausers, etc.. Of all those weapons to me the most fun and and good feeling of them all is the Japanese Arisaka Type 7.7. It is light, short, versatle, easily manouverable, etc.. While the others are excellent rifles, and to me the Mosen-Nagant is the best feeling "aimer" due to the comb of the stock, they are somewhat heavier, longer, and bulkier than the Japanese T99. I have fallen in love with the good ol' T99! If I had to go fight somewhere and was allowed only a bolt action rifle of my choice (no scopes), it would definately be the Japanese Arisaka Type 99 Short Rifle! And you know what else, it seems to me that even the Japanese uniforms, at least the tropical versions, and equipment seems much more simple, lightweight and all than other countries of WWII. I might post something to this effect and see what others feel about this subject.
Later,
Dave