7/21/20 - This is an original 1940 production series 1 Type 44 Carbine. some of the small parts appear to be mis-matching, but these are actually sub-assembly bench marks from the Kokura arsenal. This is found on earlier production (series 1) T38 and T44 rifles. The rifle should have a strawed rear sight spring, bolt stop spring, floor plate release, and trigger. Most of these parts are now blued, as is the bolt, which should be polished metal. This means that the rifle was likely an arsenal rework by the Japanese (the bluing looks fairly old and aged). The chrysanthemum has been ground down as well. Priced based on these findings. the condition of the bluing is about 85-90% overall as shown in photos. Nice, functional folding bayonet, and nice wood stock. Bore is about 8/10 with strong rifling but wear within the grooves.
