VERY EARLY NAGOYA JAPANESE TYPE 99 MACHINE GUN WITH STANDOUT MARKINGS

Spring 2025 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction

May 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th, 2025
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!

VERY EARLY NAGOYA JAPANESE TYPE 99 MACHINE GUN WITH STANDOUT MARKINGS

03-1807
Cal. 7.7 Jap.
S# 721

Bbl. 22″ finned & dated August 1943. Very fine & very early Japanese Type 99 LMG made before Pearl Harbor in April 1941. This is the earliest Type 99 this cataloger has had the pleasure of seeing. The Type 99 Nambu LMG is widely regarded as one of the best light machine guns of the Second World War. In his book “Shots Fired In Anger A Rifleman’s View of the War in the Pacific 1942-1945” John George states “Nambu Light Machine Guns caused me the greatest and most demoralizing fear I have known in all the combat I have seen.”. The 99 was the larger caliber successor to the famed Type 96 light machine gun. Rifle is equipped with a blade front sight with protective ears & an adjustable aperture rear sight. Right side of receiver has Nagoya & Type 99 symbols with serial number & “16.4” Showa date denoting April, 1941 mfg. These markings have tastefully added white highlight paint which really make them standout. Matching numbers are present on receiver, backplate, bolt carrier, piston, charging handle, locking block & bottom plate are all matching. Bbl., flash hider, bipod mount & front sight are mismatched. Flash hider may be a repro. Mag release not installed on gun. Blued finish. Asian hardwood stock set with both folding monopod & bipod. Right side sling swivels with repro rubberized canvas sling. MAGS: 2-30 rd. One mag is repro & the other is an unnumbered original that appears refinished with scattered oxidation.

UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: two mag releases, folding muzzle cover, three headspace shims, spare locking block, piston, bolt. charging handle & bbl. takedown nut.

PROVENANCE: From the Lifelong Collection of Brian Linde.

NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT MG REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE

STATUS: CURIO CLASS III