Kanji on Mauser Broomhandle

[Sniper 1987]

I know a few of you are knowledgeable of Kanji characters. An acquaintance has a Mauser Broomhandle with Kanji characters stamped into the side of the magazine area. He did not even realize that it was stamped this way. I know the Germans and Japanese cooperated, but would Kanji-stamped firearms be rare? Possibly a question for the firearms forum. Thanks.

Matt

[Budo45]

you guys know more about this than i, i think the chinese also had them.

[Edokko]

Yes, this marking was done by the Chinese, written 徳国製 and means Made in Germany.
If it was marked in Japanese it should have read 独国製 or 独逸製, but I don't think the Japanese ever marked their imported pistols with the country of origin.

[Sniper 1987]

Thanks for the correction. Obviously, I need more education in Asian languages. Any idea regarding the origin of such firearms, or is it simply an import into China from Germany during a given time frame?

[hc8mm]

If it has the Mauser logo, it should be German made. But there are a few with the fake trademarks and there are the ones with Chinese marks. Plus, it should be 國 (traditional) instead of 国(simplified), but same meaning for those who do not know Chinese.

http://www.chinesefirearms.com/110108/articles/m96.htm Some Chinese examples

http://www.chinesefirearms.com/110108/guns/96bolo.htm German made type with the Factory name on the side.