Here we have a very interesting set of documented vet brought back Japanese Service Rifles, an early Tokyo Arsenal Type 38 Arisaka Long Rifle in 6.5mm and an early 1942 production 21st series Korkura Arsenal Type 99 Rifle in 7.7mm. The Type 38 Rifle has a matching bolt and it is one of the rebuilt or overhauled examples with the double 00 added to the front of the serial number, overall an excellent example of the long serving very lengthy rifle. The early Kokura Type 99 is completely matching as well and is a top example of an early production variant of this rifle. Â
Both of these rifles still retain the original very early capture papers. You can still see the seals on the paper over the signatures. These rifles are thought to be trophies from the Papua New Guinea campaign of late 1942 into 1943 and probably from the Battle of Buna-Gona. The reason that we can say that is the rifles were brought back by Pfc James McGahon of the 127th Infantry Regiment, a Wisconsin National Guard unit.  The Battle of Buna-Gona was the first of the really murderous bloody battles of the Pacific and many medals of honor were earned…..posthumously. This was the only campaign this regiment fought in; they were used up after that.  We rarely get rifles from the Pacific Theater with bringback papers and to have one of each of the main Japanese Service Rifles brought back by the same vet is a significant find.
