Original Item: Only One Available. Japanese machine guns very rarely show up for sale, so we are especially proud to offer this fantastic BATF approved non-firing original example. Constructed from a legally demilitarized (de-milled) parts set, this is a wonderful and rare Imperial Japanese WWII Type 99 Display Light Machine Gun. It is built using original parts on an original BATF compliant non-firing display receiver, making this a 100% legal display machine gun. This receiver was created by using portions of the original torch cut receiver, including the barrel bushing, combined with some new made steel portions. It has properly had a 25% section of the total length completely replaced entirely with solid steel bar stock. Meaning a 1/4 length section of the display receiver is solid steel, making this totally legal to own without a license of any kind.

Some of the internals are included, welded into the interior of the receiver to give it a better look. This BATF approved non-gun cannot be converted to fire. It did not come with a magazine, like most on the market, so we have included a resin replica example copied from an original. It also comes complete with the original bipod, rear monopod, carry handle, and internal components not used during construction. It also comes with a great 2.5x13° optical sight, still with it's original carry case! This is really a great display setup!

The Type 99 was developed in 1939 as a replacement for the Type 96 LMG and fired the new, heavier 7.7mm Japanese cartridge. These weapons proved to be very successful throughout the war by all the Japanese forces and were used on all the Japanese held islands and mainland China. They are very similar in appearance to the British Bren gun in that they have a top mounted curved box magazine, a forward mounted folding bipod, and a new quick change, finned barrel that featured a top mounted carrying handle. These were a well made machine gun that featured all machined parts with a hard wood buttstock and pistol grip.

This excellent example is marked on the receiver with the arsenal markings for Kokura Arsenal next to 九 九 式. Kyuu (九) is Japanese for number 9, and shiki (式) is the word for type, so it reads 99 Type. Under this is is marked with serial number 2882 and date 昭 18.1. This would be read as Showa Era year 18, 1st month, or January 1943. This same serial number and date is marked on the underside of the deactivated barrel, which can still be removed from the machine gun with a rubber mallet. The trigger group, trigger, rear receiver, gas piston, cocking handle, and many other components bear this same number. It also includes the original recoil spring and the op rod, which is also serial matched! That makes this a fantastic "ALL MATCHING" example, which is highly desirable!

Very fine with 95% of a blue/black finish overall, now faded to a lovely gray in some areas. The butt stock and pistol grip are both original in very good condition with their nice original color with pressure dents, cracks, and gouges from actual field use. The front carry handle is present, and as usually seen, some of the high ribbed wood grip is cracked off. The front bipod is in very good shape and fully functional, showing some dents and bends to the legs. The rear monopod on the butt stock is still present and fully functional, a real rarity, and the front flash hider, easily removed, is also still present.

This 2.5X13° sight is in good, functional condition with almost all of the original black paint present. It is marked with serial number No.30907 just below the maker marking, which we were not able to identify. They also have a small J.E.S. ねぢ mark, which means that it was made under "Japanese Engineering Standards". The lenses are still clear and without damage with a visible range finding reticle. The included carry case is in wonderful, field used condition, and is dated 昭 十 八 (SHOWA 18) or 1943 on the interior lid.

The Type 99 was probably the most successful Japanese Army machine gun of the Second World War. It looks like and was used like the famous British Bren gun, including the top-mounted magazine, a folding bipod, and a quick-change barrel. Unlike the Bren gun, however, the Type 99 was equipped with a mount for the standard Japanese rifle bayonet.

This is a very rare and desirable machine gun as not many were brought back by returning GIs as it is a heavy bulky weapon. A fantastic example of one the primary WWII Japanese light machine guns with some great accessories. Ready to display!