Japanese Type 38 Arisaka bolt-action rifle chambered in 6.5×50mm Japanese (6.5×50SR), manufactured at the Kokura Arsenal and configured as a Ministry of Education school/training rifle. It carries the “文” (Monbushō / Ministry of Education) stamp and the “00” prefix added ahead of the serial number — the official markings applied to rifles designated for school and university military-training use — together with a stock cartouche that reads 法大予科 (daigaku yoka, “law university preparatory course”). Notably, the rifle retains a full, intact Imperial chrysanthemum (“mum”), distinguishing it from the many school and surrender guns whose mums were grounded off. It is non-import marked, in very good overall mechanical condition, with a darkened bore that retains strong rifling. The bolt does not match the receiver, and the stock is additionally marked “6🤷🏻7”
The Type 38 was the standard Japanese service rifle from its 1905 adoption through World War II, known for its long barrel, smooth cock-on-closing action, and mild-shooting 6.5mm cartridge. In pre-war Japan, the Ministry of Education issued service rifles to schools and universities for compulsory military training; guns so designated received the 文 mark and zero-prefixed serials. A full-mum, non-imported, 文-marked Kokura Type 38 tied to a university preparatory course is an especially interesting configuration for the Arisaka collector, pairing documented educational-issue provenance with an intact Imperial crest.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Kokura Arsenal (Japan)
Country of origin: Japan
Model: Type 38 Arisaka
Type: Ministry of Education school/training rifle
Action: Bolt action
Caliber: 6.5×50mm Japanese (6.5×50SR)
Matching: Non-matching (bolt does not match receiver)
Condition: Very good overall mechanical condition
Bore: Darkened, with strong rifling
Mum: Full, intact Imperial chrysanthemum
Import mark: None (non-imported)
Markings: “文” (Ministry of Education) stamp; “00” prefix ahead of serial; stock cartouche reading 法大予科 (“university preparatory course”); stock also marked “67”
