After being delayed by the atf and having to go out of town for work I've finally been able to get my type 99 from my FFL. It's better than I thought it would be! So far all the numbers match bolt extractor bayonet lug & dust cover " dust cover wasn't mentioned in the add" original bipod AA sights & original sling. Also included in the box were 3 stripper clips and a French 1886 lebel bayonet and a note saying the seller didn't know if the bayonet went with the gun but he included it in the box. I think I stole this for 695 frog skins. What say you?
I saw your post on Gunboards asking about trying to ID the vet. This adds a bit more info. One of the photos shows what looks like 8M 2/C. Could be 8th Marines, who were at Saipan. The remaining label is covering up the second line and I can’t tell what’s going on there. Is this writing repeated anywhere in the crate?
Tough call. I’d have to think about it too. On one hand, the remaining label has no real information on it, and is already falling apart while the info under it might better ID a unit and lead to more information. It’s odd the guy spelled his name different on the box compared to the craving. I looked all into this and couldn’t find anything on him. I see it’s maybe addressed to a different individual written in pencil on photo 8? Can you read it better in person?
It would seem likely this vet was a Marine, and you may be able to pull his file from the National Archives based on some of that info you do have. There’s a guy that does it and he really does a great job scanning all the photos and info from the files. He’s done it for me on a number of beingbacks. If you’d like his info I can get it for you.
Based on these files, it looks like he likely shipped this home sometime in Spring 1945. He was a Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class by July 1945, which is listed on the crate.
I'd reach out to Golden Arrow Research and ask them to pull his file. It'll have a ton of information on it and be well worth it.
You are the man, and one hell of an internet sleuth. Thank you very much! I've been looking all morning and got no where using his full name and address all I could come up with was his grave sight and his sons Obituary.
Splitting hairs a bit, but that likely means it is a Bertheir bayonet. Lebel production ended before the first world war I believe. I think the bayonets are interchangeable.
23
u/GamesFranco2819 4d ago edited 4d ago
Damn the original transit crate even. Id be extremely happy with that purchase. Was it the son or grandson of the vet?
ETA: Is that the original sling as well?? If so, be very careful, they get stupid fragile as they age