Arisaka Type 38 Rifle

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Maker

Colonel Nariakira Arisaka (Inventor)

Colonel Nariakira Arisaka headed a commission during the 1890s which was charged with developing a new rifle to replace the earlier models such as the Murata.
Dimensions / Weight

Dimensions: 6.25" H x 66" W x 4" D
Physical Description

Japanese Arisaka Type 38 rifle, 6.5 mm with forged steel bayonet, chrysanthemum stamp on receiver. The Rifle is from my personal collection. The Rifle was made in the Tokyo Arsenal. And the Bayonet, (which my Uncle brought home from Japan during occupation duty) is from the Nagoya Arsenal.
General History

The Japanese Arisaka Type 38 rifles were all turn bolt operated, with 5-round non-detachable staggered row box magazines. They were loaded with 5-round stripper clips, a flat metal piece holding a five-round stack, which was inserted at the top of the magazine, the rounds thumbed down into position, and the metal piece sent flying when the bolt was closed. This rifle was named for Colonel Nariakira Arisaka. During the 1890's he headed a commission charged with developing a new rifle to replace the earlier models such as the Murata. The Arisaka rifles were designated with the year of the current emperor's reign. Thus, the Type 38 rifle was designed in the 38th year of the reign of Emperor Meiji which would have been 1905. The rifle was stamped on the receiver with a 16 petal chrysanthemum which was the symbol of the Japanese Emperor. The chrysanthemum stamp showed the rifle was manufactured for the Imperial Japanese Army and therefore, belonged to the Emperor. As a face saving gesture, Japanese soldiers who surrendered after the war made an attempt to grind the symbol off their rifles.

Pic One shows the Bayonet fixed to the barrel. ( this is the type of bayonet with the "Bayonet Breaker" Designed to snap enemy bayonet blades.
Pic Two shows how tall it all is when together.
Pic Three shows the Serial and stamp.
Pic Four shows the left side of the gun.

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More Pics....

Pic One Shows the remains of a prayer painted in white by the soldier who used this weapon.
Pic Two A Length shot without Bayonet
Pic Three the bolt area.
Pic Four the front join area.

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And the final set.

Pic One the barrel and cleaning rod
Pic Two A close up of the intact Chrysanthemum and The Series number the first Character is the series= "Type" and the second two are "3" and "8" Meaning "Type 38" rifle...

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Now a look at the Bayonet... Which is rather long! (Almost like a short sword) This one is fitted with the 'Bayonet buster" hook. IT is from the Nagoya Arsenal by it's markings.

Pic One A close up of the Armory Mark
Pic Two Bayonet and scabbard (Which is a stamped metal)
Pic Three Bayonet in Scabbard.