Rich why is that? I'm just curious, I'd have thought the other way around; were there so many made or something else...?
Joachim: I know of someone in New Hampshire; not sure he'd want the project but might be able to recommend; maybe.
You, or he, doesnt have just a "rifle". Its a piece of History. Imagine someone restoring the original Mona Lisa. Is this rifle a piece of art? You bet it is. It will be worth more if its an early rifle by a better maker. I cant remember all the makers of the Arisak's but I know some were better then others. Its worth will be even more if it has original accessory's like a bayonet and cleaning kit....ect Think of any WW2 gun or item as a valued pieces as long as its in original condition and only needs a cleaning.
I had an original early war 7.7mm with bayonet and other items and I traded it and a few other things for a new Ruger. I could kick myself in the Butt for that memory. I also had a sporterized 6.5mm that was a fun plinker but thats long gone to. A few Mausers I'd kill to still have.
I'd be willing to bet an original early/mid war 7.7mm type 99 with original bayonet is somewhere in the low 4 figures worth wise nowadays. Between one to two G. The early ones by very good makers are highly desirable.
A co-worker showed me pictures of Soviet memorabilia that his grand pa left him that Pops had bought from German soldiers after the war, that the German soldiers had grabbed on their march thru the Soviet Union. I could have screamed at some of this stuff. Flags, medals, soldiers kit, uniforms, knives, bayonets, original propaganda pieces, all kinds of treasured stuff thats hard to get. I could only tell him to get an expert on it to sell on consignment cause he's easily into 5 figures. Maybe 6. I could have robbed him but would never have been able to live with myself after.
I wish I had the cash for a major WW2 collection to finish up life with. Were I your friend I wouldnt sell the type 99.
