Relative date of T38 Arisaka Manufacture

jefnvk · September 6, 2004, 04:02 PM

Does anyone know how to estimate the date of manufacture of a T38 Arisaka? Fomr this page: http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/japanese_markings.html, I have determined that it is a Tokyo manufacture, no series marking, with a S/N of about 950000

Harley Nolden · September 8, 2004, 02:48 AM

I have sent, by separate email, what I have on the Arisaka

HJN

jefnvk · September 8, 2004, 11:36 AM

Thanks! I've been looking for some information like that about the Arisakas. It seems to me that they are some of the lesser documented guns.

**Mike Irwin** · September 8, 2004, 12:14 PM

Problem is, the Type 38 was made, in almost unchanged form, for nearly 40 years. Probably more than 15 million were made, even though that site says 6.5 million. I think that figure is dramatically low.

It was not uncommon for the serial numbers to be repeated, so pinning down a date of manufacture can be almost impossible.

You can get a clue as to relative date of manufacture from the quality of the materials. Things started to go downhill fairly quickly after 1939 as Japan became more and more pressed.

jefnvk · September 8, 2004, 04:42 PM

I am thinking that it was before 1932, as it has no series. I don't have another one to compare it to. Anyway, I don't know if this helps at looking at the craftsmenship, but here are some pics:

Sorry I don't have one of the serial number. I lost that when my computer died, and the gun is about 500 miles away right now.

September 6, 2004, 04:02 PM	#1
jefnvk Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2004 Location: MI Tech Posts: 1,791	Relative date of T38 Arisaka Manufacture Does anyone know how to estimate the date of manufacture of a T38 Arisaka? Fomr this page: http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/japanese_markings.html, I have determined that it is a Tokyo manufacture, no series marking, with a S/N of about 950000

September 8, 2004, 12:14 PM	#4
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Problem is, the Type 38 was made, in almost unchanged form, for nearly 40 years. Probably more than 15 million were made, even though that site says 6.5 million. I think that figure is dramatically low. It was not uncommon for the serial numbers to be repeated, so pinning down a date of manufacture can be almost impossible. You can get a clue as to relative date of manufacture from the quality of the materials. Things started to go downhill fairly quickly after 1939 as Japan became more and more pressed. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

September 8, 2004, 02:48 AM	#2
Harley Nolden Staff In Memoriam Join Date: January 8, 1999 Location: Brunswick,GA USA Posts: 1,884	I have sent, by separate email, what I have on the Arisaka HJN

September 8, 2004, 11:36 AM	#3
jefnvk Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2004 Location: MI Tech Posts: 1,791	Thanks! I've been looking for some information like that about the Arisakas. It seems to me that they are some of the lesser documented guns.

September 8, 2004, 04:42 PM	#5
jefnvk Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2004 Location: MI Tech Posts: 1,791	I am thinking that it was before 1932, as it has no series. I don't have another one to compare it to. Anyway, I don't know if this helps at looking at the craftsmenship, but here are some pics: Sorry I don't have one of the serial number. I lost that when my computer died, and the gun is about 500 miles away right now.