Arisaka Type 44

[jim-d]

Is there a way to date a series 1 type 44 Arisaka # 00197 ?
Thank you

[Deano41]

Per the book "The Type 38 Arisaka" by Francis C. Allan,the Series 1, Type 44 Cavalry Carbine, estimated date of production: Sept.1937 through April 1941. Estimated production: 9,500

[dave]

yeh, so? Do not mean to be sarcastic but is there a question or something else? According to McCollum (he gives no dates) only 90,000 were made, pretty close considering both are nothing but estimates based on known serial numbers.

[jim-d]

Thank you Deano

[Deano41]

By the way jim-d, you gave the key information regarding your question (many don't know how to identify what they have, or where to look). Type of rifle, series number, and serial number.

[dave]

yeh, so? Do not mean to be sarcastic but is there a question or something else? According to McCollum (he gives no dates) only 90,000 were made, pretty close considering both are nothing but estimates based on known serial numbers.

For some reason when I posted this, the question by jim-d was not on my screen, thread started with 'Deano-41' answer! Strange!

[Michaelp]

I believe the 00 prefix denotes a rebuild and taken out of active service. School rifle.

[Deano41]

Yes Michaelp, you are correct in most cases. However in Kokura Arsenal's case, they used a five digit numbering plan for their Type 44 carbines. Therefore, carbine 00197 would have been 197 in the series, with the two preceding zeros maintaining the five digit numbering plan. If that carbine had been taken out of service, it would have had two or three zeros preceding 00197, sometimes to the left of the series mark.

Not being blessed with a good memory, I rely on books to provide the information on the MilSurp weapons I have collected. In the case of Japanese weapons there are many variables in arsenals and series.

[jim-d]

Great info...thanks. Another forum member advised that #197 is the lowest recorded series 1 type 44, the previous being #472. Not sure of the relevance, but nice to have as much info as possible. It is a great rifle, all matching #'s, some serial #'s, some mfg #'s, and the mum is intact. I think it was a great find.

[Deano41]

" Another forum member advised that #197 is the lowest recorded series 1 type 44, the previous being #472"
He must be looking at the same book I have. :>)