Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

[ROBERT H.]

HI
CAN YOU DATE A JAPANESE TYPE 38 RIFLE BY IT SERIAL NUMBER? I HAVE A JAPANESE TYPE 97 SNIPER RIFLE AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE YEAR IT WAS MADE . OR CLOSE TO IT. I KNOW THEY MADE ABOUT 7750 OF THE FIRST TYPE 97 SNIPER . MY SERIAL NUMBER IS 26XX. AND IF THEY MADE THE FIRST ONES IN 1937 WHEN DID THEY STOP MAKING THE TYPE 97 AROUND 1942?
ALSO IS THERE A LIST OF NAMES OF JAPANESE SNIPERS IN WW11??
REGARDS
BOB

[Francis C. Allan]

No actual production data has yet been located in Japan. However, when I was working on the Type 38 Arisaka book, I did an extensive projection based upon some known facts. You indicated that approximately 7750 were made. I assume that you mean by that that your rifle is Kokura- manufactered T-97. The known high serial number from Kokura is 7955. I projected that these were made between May 1937 through October 1939.

The Nagoya-made Type 97s in the first series I beleive were made between approximately June 1938 and April 1943.

There is an on-going research project by Vic Soto and John Bannister, including an attempt to match serial numbers with the proper scope serial number, as well as an attempt to get a handle on scope manufacturing. I understand your reluctance to put your serial number "out there", but if you could contact me off of the board with the rifle's serail number, number on top of the scope and on the base as well as the manufuacturer of the scope, it would help in our joint research. I can get the info to the researchers without your name if you wish. We sure would appreciate your help with our research. Thanks in advance.

If there is any other info our your T-97 that you need please feel free to ask.

Frank
_________________
Francis C. Allan
20Courtney Place
Palm Coast, FL 32137

(386) 445-4225

[Francis C. Allan]

I just realized that you e-mail address does not appear with my signature. It is: the_allans_fcla@yahoo.com

Frank
_________________
Francis C. Allan
20Courtney Place
Palm Coast, FL 32137

(386) 445-4225