Fall 2023 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2023
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!
JAPANESE TYPE 96 DEWAT LMG
03-1634
Cal. 6.5mm
S# 18167
Bbl. 22″
Mfg. November, 1944. The Japanese Type 96 was introduced in 1936 intending to replace the Type 11 LMG. The Type 96 deleted the hopper feed mechanism of the Type 11, instead using a top mounted box magazine, very similar in appearance to the British Bren. The Type 96 also deleted the cartridge oiling system on the gun and instead integrated it w/ the mag loader. The bipod was also improved, having a few degrees of swiveling travel, over the prior rigid offerings. Many of the revisions allowed much quicker barrel changes at a weight of 2 pounds lighter than the Type 11.
Opposite of the Type 11, which had sights that were offset to the right side, due to the obstructive hopper feed mechanism, the sights on the Type 96 are offset to the left, since the magazine is mounted on top, in the center of the receiver. The ammunition for the Type 96 remained the reduced loaded 6.5mm cartridge. It utilizes a non-reciprocating charging handle on the left side of the receiver to charge the gas operated, open bolt system, retaining an adjustable gas port. The circular cooling fins on the barrel taper in diameter from 1.4″ down to just under an inch towards the muzzle. The muzzle is threaded and employed a cone style flash hider.
Like its predecessor it has a wooden carry handle mounted forward of the front trunnion. The sights consist of a protected front blade & a windage adjustable rear peep, also adjustable in elevation from 200 to 1500 meters. The shoulder stock is manufactured from a combination of steel & hardwood, incorporating a folding monopod to help steady long shots. It is mounted to the rear of the pistol grip in a much more traditional fashion than the Type 11.
Just rear of the front sight is a rear folding bipod w/ 14″ legs that has 2 positions for firing extended. Receiver markings include Kokura Arsenal mark, on the right, as well as the serial number, above “19.11” indicating Showa Era Year 19, 11th month, translating to the manufacturing date of November 1944. MAGS: 1 30 rd.
UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Photo copied operation manual in Japanese.
NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT DEWAT MG REQUIRING BATF TRANSFER BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION. FULLY TRANSFERABLE
STATUS: CURIO CLASS III
