The history is that in 1923 an earthquake decimated the Koishikawa Arsenal and manufacturing was gradually transfered to Kokura, this occurred from 1923 to 1935, with construction of Rifles and MGs gradually shifting from one facility to the other. You were not completely wrong concerning the Kokura Arsenal, as there is a connection between it and the Koishikawa Arsenal ( they bear the same MM i.e. I am glad to hear that I was wrong! Early rifles mean more history. Thanks! I thought it might be Kokura and that '001' was the school addition to the prefix. With this rifle, I now have 14 of the 25 items on the list. My collecting goal has always been to acquire a rifle, helmet, field jacket/tunic, and flag from each of the five major powers during WWII. If anyone dares to make my Christmas even better then please do not hesitate to send one! I plan on acquiring all of the goodies that come with it, starting with a sling. It was made by 'Toyoda Jidoshoki Seisakusho' (Toyoda Automatic Loom Works). I don't know if Arisaka bayonets typically come in this condition, but the thing really is beautiful.
The bore is bright, but the stock has a small crack in it.
Arisaka type 38 carbine stock markings serial number#
The rings stamped on top of the mum, as well as the extra character on the receiver and extra '0's and '1's that precede the serial number indicate that it was taken out of Imperial Japanese military service, and given to a school. It was made by the Kokura Arsenal, I believe sometime in the late 30's. It's an entirely original and matching Japanese Type 38 Arisaka rifle. My girlfriend bought this for me for Christmas. 'Tis the season, and the Christmas presents have begun to find their way into my collection! I will start with this little beauty here.