Type 38 Bringback from Guadalcanal with Provenance

[Rescue190]

Sold out of the Historical Society Museum. Nice matching Type 38 with provenance. I am still inquiring about the bayonet. The most interesting item is what I am calling a 'rigger made' (Probably incorrect terminology) leather muzzle cover. I have not ever seen anything like it before and did not find anything in the reference books I have. Came with a nice type 38 sling attached. It is nice to see original condition items as I have very few.
John

[mauser9]

Looks to be in great condition Rescue. Believe correct caliber is 6.5 on the 38? Not as well versed on Japanese arms as Mausers but I am learning. Only time I fired one was back in early 70s. It was a Type 99 in 7.7 Prices for milsurps seem to be rising rapidly as collectors are grabbing them up. My friend paid $25 for the Type 99 back around 1972!

[Tank Destroyer]

John,
I really big score with this one, if this rifle is linked to Guadalcanal WOW!!!! The muzzle cover does look field made and that is cool.

Marty

[Rescue190]

Thank you. I should have included that it is Japanese 6.5 mm. I am guessing the muzzle cover was made by a Japanese soldier that lost the one he was issued but we will never know. There is not much of it left. I did do some minor vetting on if the regiment was in Guadalcanal and it was. Some good stories found on the colonel on the net.
John

[mauser9]

That connection to Guadalcanal is awesome. Too bad the gun can't talk of all the experiences!!

[Toecutter]

Very nice rifle,thanks for showing it!

[Anderson]

Why did the Historical Society sell it? Makes me wonder if a vet had donated it years ago. Museums do this sort of thing, sell off stuff families give when a new curator decides it's not needed any more. But good score for you, an example with good provenance.

[Rescue190]

Sadly, IMHO, it is up to the curator as to when to sell; but not very many curators would ever take something in perpetuity.
John

[Brachus]

Very nice item! My grandfather was in the 6th NCB (Seabees) which landed there on September '42 and stayed until Jan '43. He claimed he had a captured rifle at one point, but traded it away to someone for a bottle of rum.