My vet bring-back Japanese Rifle

[rrobertscv]

I have been meaning to post this for awhile now. This was given to me by the Marine vet that picked it up on Saipan. I don't know anything about these rifles, but thought I would post it. It is missing the sling, cleaning rod and bayo. The sight is in perfect shape. This came from the same vet that gave me the Iwo Jima map I posted earlier.

[Dave Alexander]

Difficult to see from these photos but it looks like a series 22, Kokura Arsenal, manufactured about 1934 - 35. On top of the rifle just in front of the breech should be a "mum" (flower) or signs that it has been ground off. To the left of the serial # should be a kana (character) in a circle - from this photo it looks like series 22 but it's not too clear. To the right of the # is 1 or 2 kanas showing where it was made. It looks like Kokura. Anyway hope this helps.

[rrobertscv]

It does have a "mum"

[mandy333]

significance of the mum

Greetings: I have often heard made reference to the mum on a Japanese rifle. Now mentioned again I see it must have some importance.I realize it is an abreviation for chrysanthemum , but what is the significance or meaning. I collect mainly TR and U.S, but do have some Japanese items one being a 6.5 arisaka with a mum. I would be greatful for an explaination.Thank you in advance and all the best!
Sincere Regards
Zeke

[Josh Beckett]

Is it matching, and who is the arsenal, is it an upside down 8(Nagoya), a star(Jensin), a circle with two lines across from each other(Mukden) or is it a circle with 3 half circles around it(Kokura)? This will really help determine the value.

[rrobertscv]

I'll check it when I get home tonight and post what I find.

[Dave Alexander]

Mandy - the mum is the crest of the Imperial Japanese Emperor (or family). It was stamped on all ordnance to show that it belonged to him. When the Japanese forces surrendered in 1945 the troops filed or ground the mum off to save face - to show that it wasn't the Emperor who was responsible for the surrender. Rifles with a mum intact is more likely to be one that was picked up after a battle, say Iwo Jima, Okinawa etc before the trrops had time to file it off. These would be more desirable to a collector.
Josh - pretty sure it's Kokura - circle w/3 half circles

[Dave Alexander]

Mandy - the mum is the crest of the Imperial Japanese Emperor (or family). It was stamped on all ordnance to show that it belonged to him. When the Japanese forces surrendered in 1945 the troops filed or ground the mum off to save face - to show that it wasn't the Emperor who was responsible for the surrender. Rifles with a mum intact is more likely to be one that was picked up after a battle, say Iwo Jima, Okinawa etc before the troops had time to file it off. These would be more desirable to a collector.
Josh - pretty sure it's Kokura - circle w/3 half circles

[blinky]

As far as the cleaning rod, sling and bayonet goes.....it really doesn't matter with this rifle. It has the anti-aircraft wings on the rear sight and, better yet, it still has its monopod! It's not very common to find one with the original monopod (as compared to a sling). Nice rifle

[Josh Beckett]

The mum isnt on pistols.

[Dave Alexander]

Don't know anything about the pistols, wonder why they didn't stamp them? As for the rifles go to Gunsamerica.com they have loads of Japanese rifles mum/nomum

[mandy333]

Mum

Mandy - the mum is the crest of the Imperial Japanese Emperor (or family). It was stamped on all ordnance to show that it belonged to him. When the Japanese forces surrendered in 1945 the troops filed or ground the mum off to save face - to show that it wasn't the Emperor who was responsible for the surrender. Rifles with a mum intact is more likely to be one that was picked up after a battle, say Iwo Jima, Okinawa etc before the troops had time to file it off. These would be more desirable to a collector.
Josh - pretty sure it's Kokura - circle w/3 half circles

Thank you Dave, I really appreciate the added information about the "mum". All the best to you and your family
Sincere Regards
Zeke

[Josh Beckett]

Mandy, is your rifle live or a dewat?

[rrobertscv]

I checked it again last night. All the serial numbers match and the stamp is a circle with 3 half circles around it.

[Josh Beckett]

It is about 300 then. Three half circles around a circle is Kokura. You did good.