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I've had this rifle for about a week and I have done my homework; however, I have found a mother-load of knowledge in this forum! Here's my rifle, and the homework I've done on it. If you can tell me more, many appreciations will be in order!
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WWII Rifle
TYPE 99
JAPANESE ARISAKA
7.7 x 58mm
The Japanese manufactured over 6.4 million rifles and carbines in the 40 years from 1906 to 1945. Most of these rifles were still in use during the Sino-Japanese War of the 1930s and the Pacific War of the 1940s. During the war and subsequent American occupation of Japan, thousands of these rifles found their way to the United States as war souvenirs, making them one of the most common foreign military firearms available in the country.
The Arisaka rifles are named for Colonel Nariakira Arisaka, who headed a commission during the 1890s which was charged with developing a new rifle to replace the earlier models such as the Murata. The Arisaka rifles were designated with the year of the current emperor's reign. Thus, Type 99 rifle was adopted in Japanese calendar year 2599 (1939).
A chrysanthemum with 16 petals (the symbol of the Japanese Emperor) was usually stamped on the receiver of rifles manufactured for the Imperial Japanese Army, indicating that the rifle belonged to the Emperor. The chrysanthemum, located is on the top of the receiver.
The chrysanthemum was at least partially ground off on rifles which were surrendered after the war, apparently as a face-saving gesture. Rifles captured in the field, from dead or surrendered Japanese soldiers, normally have the chrysanthemum symbol intact. The Type designation was stamped into the top of the receiver using the character shiki, for "type" and the Japanese numerals, kyuu, kyuu, for “99”.
Arsenal Marks
Each Japanese rifle was marked with the symbol of either the arsenal of manufacture or the arsenal that supervised the manufacturing subcontractor. This mark can be found on the left side of the receiver at the end of the rifle serial number. Rifles manufactured by a commercial subcontractor bear the subcontractor's mark to the right of the supervising arsenal's mark. This particular rifle was manufactured in Tokyo Juki Kogyo between 1940-1945, and is series 37 of 45.
That's what I have so far! The serial on the bolt of this rifle matches the receiver. There's nothing on the magazine or butt plates, nor are there any engravings on any part of the wood, that I can see. There was a great deal of factory goop still in the hard to reach spots. There was plenty of carbon, as well. It's missing a monopod and sling, but the cleaning rod is intact.
Is there anything I missed? Many thanks!
WWII Rifle
TYPE 99
JAPANESE ARISAKA
7.7 x 58mm
The Japanese manufactured over 6.4 million rifles and carbines in the 40 years from 1906 to 1945. Most of these rifles were still in use during the Sino-Japanese War of the 1930s and the Pacific War of the 1940s. During the war and subsequent American occupation of Japan, thousands of these rifles found their way to the United States as war souvenirs, making them one of the most common foreign military firearms available in the country.
The Arisaka rifles are named for Colonel Nariakira Arisaka, who headed a commission during the 1890s which was charged with developing a new rifle to replace the earlier models such as the Murata. The Arisaka rifles were designated with the year of the current emperor's reign. Thus, Type 99 rifle was adopted in Japanese calendar year 2599 (1939).
A chrysanthemum with 16 petals (the symbol of the Japanese Emperor) was usually stamped on the receiver of rifles manufactured for the Imperial Japanese Army, indicating that the rifle belonged to the Emperor. The chrysanthemum, located is on the top of the receiver.
The chrysanthemum was at least partially ground off on rifles which were surrendered after the war, apparently as a face-saving gesture. Rifles captured in the field, from dead or surrendered Japanese soldiers, normally have the chrysanthemum symbol intact. The Type designation was stamped into the top of the receiver using the character shiki, for "type" and the Japanese numerals, kyuu, kyuu, for “99”.
Arsenal Marks
Each Japanese rifle was marked with the symbol of either the arsenal of manufacture or the arsenal that supervised the manufacturing subcontractor. This mark can be found on the left side of the receiver at the end of the rifle serial number. Rifles manufactured by a commercial subcontractor bear the subcontractor's mark to the right of the supervising arsenal's mark. This particular rifle was manufactured in Tokyo Juki Kogyo between 1940-1945, and is series 37 of 45.
That's what I have so far! The serial on the bolt of this rifle matches the receiver. There's nothing on the magazine or butt plates, nor are there any engravings on any part of the wood, that I can see. There was a great deal of factory goop still in the hard to reach spots. There was plenty of carbon, as well. It's missing a monopod and sling, but the cleaning rod is intact.
Is there anything I missed? Many thanks!
