This is an extremely rare early-production Japanese Type 38 Carbine (三八式騎銃), chambered in 6.5×50mm Arisaka. The Type 38 Carbine, introduced in 1905, was designed for cavalry, artillery, engineers, and support troops. Compared to the long rifle, it was much shorter and more maneuverable – but produced in far smaller numbers, making it a prized collectible today.
Key Features of This Example:
Model: Type 38 Carbine
Caliber: 6.5×50mm Arisaka
Barrel length: 465mm (18.3") – correct cavalry carbine length
Overall length: Approx. 966mm
Receiver marking: Clear "三八式" (Type 38); chrysanthemum ground (as with most surrendered rifles)
Dust cover: Includes the original early-production “linked” dust cover with internal guide rail – a feature found only on the earliest carbines and exceptionally rare to encounter today
Safety knob: Distinctive radial-pattern safety, correct for the carbine variant
Cleaning rod: Original short carbine rod, threaded end intact, correct solid head design
Stock: Solid, no cracks, correct side-mounted sling swivel
Bore condition: Rifling remains strong and visible, with good definition.
Why This Rifle Is Rare:
The Type 38 Carbine was produced in much smaller quantities than the infantry rifle.
Surviving examples are uncommon; surviving with the original early “linked” dust cover is exceptionally rare. Most dust covers were discarded in service, and later simplified covers lacked the internal rail.
This rifle represents an increasingly scarce opportunity for serious Japanese militaria collectors.
💡 Collector’s Notes:
Early-production feature: original guided dust cover – rarely seen on the market.
A scarce carbine model that combines rarity, completeness, and strong bore condition.
A must-have piece for any advanced WWII Japanese small arms collection.
