Make: Nagoya Arsenal
Model: Type 99
Serial Number: 4807 No Series Mark
Year of Manufacture: 1940-1941 / C&R
Caliber: 7.7x58mm Japanese
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with the Imperial Chrysanthemum that has a small X cut into it and, "99 Type" in Japanese Script. The left side is marked "4807" followed by the Nagoya Arsenal marking and a proof. The bolt handle, safety knob, extractor, bayonet lug, and firing pin are all marked "807" matching the receiver.
Barrel Length: 31"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular post set on a raised base with protective wings. The rear sight is a peephole flip up ladder sight marked out to 15. The fold-out AA sight wings are present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, nose cap with bayonet lug, hole for its included cleaning rod, barrel band with provision for a monopod, two sling loops, through bolt, and a metal buttplate. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are a few heavy dings on along the edges of the forend. There is a crack on the left side of the stock from the front of the bolt release to down to the floorplate. There is a gash on the right side of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has turned a mottled brown patina. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The Chrome Lined bore is exceptionally bright and the rifling is sharp for an Arisaka. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is light thinning, wear marks, and faint wear on the leading edges. There is no monopod or dust cover. The floor plate has moderate finish wear and patina. There is light intermittent oxidation. The markings are clear. The screw heads are light to moderately tooled. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a Nagoya Marked Type 30 Bayonet and scabbard in Good condition and its attached contemporary leather sling in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The Type 99 was adopted as Japan transitioned from the 6.5mm Type 38 to the more powerful 7.7x58mm cartridge, and its earliest production included both long and short rifle configurations. The long rifle was short-lived: only about 38,000 were produced, with roughly 8,000 made by Nagoya and approximately 30,000 by Toyo Kogyo before the long pattern was abandoned in favor of the handier short rifle. Nagoya long rifles were produced without a series mark, and their 31" barrels, anti-aircraft rear sights, monopod provisions, and chrome-lined bores distinguish them from the millions of Type 99 short rifles that followed.
Serial number 4807 is a particularly appealing example of this scarce Nagoya production, retaining its lightly defaced but clearly visible Imperial chrysanthemum, AA sight wings, cleaning rod, and numerous correctly matching components numbered “807,” following Nagoya’s practice of matching parts to the final three digits of the receiver serial number. The rifle retains about 85% original blue with an exceptional 10/10 chrome-lined bore, while the included Nagoya-marked Type 30 bayonet and scabbard complete an attractive Imperial Japanese military grouping. Although the stock shows substantial service wear and a notable crack, the combination of scarce long-rifle configuration, strong mechanical condition, matching numbered components, and remaining mum gives this rifle considerable collector interest.
