Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive and increasingly difficult to find Japanese Meiji 18 Murata, commonly called the Type 18 Murata, chambered for the 11mm Murata cartridge and serial numbered 92197. Adopted in 1885 as an improved development of Japan's first domestically designed military rifle, this example retains an especially desirable intact Imperial Chrysanthemum crest, Murata Tsuneyoshi's distinctive kakihan or personal monogram, substantial original blue, numerous matching numbered components, and a remarkably strong bore. Although several parts were replaced during its service life, the rifle remains substantially complete, including its bolt head, extractor, and firing pin.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Murata rifle was designed under the direction of Japanese Army officer Murata Tsuneyoshi as Japan rapidly modernized its military during the Meiji era. The original rifle was adopted in Meiji 13, or 1880, and is commonly known to Western collectors as the Type 13 Murata. It was Japan's first domestically designed and manufactured standard military rifle, replacing the assortment of imported and converted Western arms previously used by the Imperial forces.

Five years later, in Meiji 18, or 1885, an improved version was adopted. Today collectors generally call this the Type 18 Murata, although the original Japanese markings are more literally understood as the Meiji 18 Year Murata Rifle. Changes included improvements to the bolt locking system, stock and bayonet arrangement, and other details while retaining the original single shot configuration and 11mm Murata cartridge. The receiver markings distinguish it from the earlier Meiji 13 rifle by identifying the eighteenth year of the Meiji reign.

The Murata system was further developed into the Meiji 22 magazine rifle adopted in 1889, which reduced the caliber to 8mm and introduced repeating fire. The Murata family remained important through the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, although newer repeating rifles increasingly displaced the earlier single shot models. The Type 30 Arisaka was adopted in 1897 and marked the beginning of the next major generation of Japanese infantry rifles, while older Muratas continued in reserve, training, and secondary service for years afterward.

One of the strongest features of this example is the intact Imperial Japanese:

CHRYSANTHEMUM CREST

on the chamber area. Immediately associated with Imperial ownership, the KIKUMON (菊紋 - Chrysanthemum Seal) or “mum” is frequently encountered cancelled, struck, ground, or otherwise defaced on Japanese military rifles that were withdrawn from active government service. On this example the crest remains clearly present without an obvious cancellation mark.

Adjacent to the crest is Murata Tsuneyoshi's distinctive:

KAKIHAN

or stylized personal monogram. Surviving Murata rifles are known with this characteristic mark, which is one of the most recognizable features of early Japanese military small arms.

Serial number:

92197

is present on both the barrel and receiver and is repeated on the bayonet lug, lower barrel band, trigger guard, and trigger guard screw. The nose cap is mismatched and numbered 71631, while the main body of the bolt is numbered 80695 and the firing pin holder is numbered 102113. These differing numbers show that the rifle underwent substantial parts replacement or arsenal maintenance during its service life, so it should not be described as matching despite the considerable number of original serial 92197 components that remain.

The stock appears to have undergone an old arsenal reconditioning and now carries a semi gloss varnished surface. The finish itself shows age related checking and crazing, indicating that it was applied many years ago rather than recently. The wood has developed a handsome dark red brown color and shows the expected dents, dings, scratches, and handling wear from military service without a major structural crack or significant repaired break. The original circular arsenal cartouche on the right side of the butt has faded almost completely into a ghost impression. Additional stock markings include clear Japanese numerals 十 and 六, representing 10 and 6, together with a large oval panel of kanji on the left side of the butt. We have not positively interpreted the complete oval inscription and therefore leave its precise organizational or property significance open.

The metalwork is in very good condition for an early Japanese service rifle and retains an unusually substantial amount of original blue across the receiver and barrel. The surviving markings remain crisp enough that we see no obvious evidence of a complete modern refinish. Numerous Japanese inspection and proof marks remain visible on the metal components. Both the front and rear sights are present, and the rear sight operates correctly in both its lowered and raised positions. Both sling swivels are also present and move freely. A cleaning rod is fitted beneath the barrel, but its rear end has been cut off and lacks the expected threading, indicating that it is most likely a later replacement rather than the original rod.

The bolt cycles properly during careful manual inspection and gives a crisp dry fire. Unlike many incomplete surviving Muratas, this example retains its bolt head assembly together with the extractor and firing pin, the latter having been visually confirmed with a bore light. We have not tested the rifle with ammunition and therefore cannot confirm actual extraction or cartridge function.

The bore is in very good to near excellent condition and is one of the standout features of the rifle. It retains a bright interior with strong, clearly defined lands and grooves. There is some normal service wear and evidence of old fouling that has since been cleaned, but overall the bore is exceptionally strong for a Murata of this age and among the better examples we have encountered.

With its intact Imperial Chrysanthemum, Murata kakihan, extensive original serial numbered components, strong original blue, arsenal marked stock, complete bolt assembly, and exceptional bore, this is a particularly appealing example of Japan's first generation of domestically designed military rifles. The Meiji 18 Murata represents a critical stage in Japan's transformation from reliance on imported Western arms to an indigenous military arms industry, making this rifle an excellent addition to a collection of early Japanese military firearms, Meiji era arms, Murata rifles, or the technological development that ultimately led to the Arisaka family.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1885-1889
Caliber: 11×60mmR Murata
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 51 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: Single Shot
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

Development

The development of the weapon was lengthy as it involved the establishment of an adequate industrial structure to support it. Before producing local weapons, the early Imperial Japan Army had been relying on various imports since the time of the Boshin War, and especially on the French Chassepot, the British Snider-Enfield and the Spencer repeating rifle. This was about 300 years after Japan developed its first guns, derived from Portuguese matchlock designs, the Tanegashima or "Nanban guns".

The combat experience of the Boshin War emphasized the need for a standardized design, and the Japanese Army was impressed with the metallic-cartridge design of the French Gras rifle. The design was invented by Major Murata Tsuneyoshi, an infantry officer in the Japanese Imperial Army. Adopted in Emperor Meiji's thirteenth year of reign, the rifle was designated as the model 13 and went into production as the 11-millimeter Type 13 single-shot, bolt-action rifle in 1880, followed by the Type 18 in 1885.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.