Joined
·
5,765 Posts
Lived in Pittsburgh, PA in the early 80s. A fellow collector bought a 99 at an antique store as I remember (can remember what happened 20 years ago, but not last week, strange). Anyway a considerable section of the upper part of the butt stock had been professionally replaced and the stock was studded with metal particles, shrapnel. Believe the rifle was an Izawa 4th.
Called him today and he said he might let the rifle go. If so, it can sing, "My home's in Alabama." Early 99s were found on Attu, believe the pods were missing. Most of the Attu (or was it Kiska) troops were evacuated as were the remainder of the Guadalcanal forces. It would be my bet the rifle was evacuated from one of these areas and repaired at one of the major Japanese bases, Rabaul or Truk, or even Japan proper. Of course, there is always the chance the G.I that brought the rifle home did it If they could just talk and Okiedokee would translate.
Called him today and he said he might let the rifle go. If so, it can sing, "My home's in Alabama." Early 99s were found on Attu, believe the pods were missing. Most of the Attu (or was it Kiska) troops were evacuated as were the remainder of the Guadalcanal forces. It would be my bet the rifle was evacuated from one of these areas and repaired at one of the major Japanese bases, Rabaul or Truk, or even Japan proper. Of course, there is always the chance the G.I that brought the rifle home did it If they could just talk and Okiedokee would translate.