The only words I can muster are... "wow"
The only words I can muster are... "wow"
That is gorgeous. I do doubt it being a battlefield pick up for the simple reason it is covered in Cosmoline (which if it was a battlefield pick up would be absent). Much more likely a rifle he sent home during the occupation of Japan. Still a excellent find, and I have to say I am very jealous. That is truly a excellent example of Japanese craftsmanship.
Probably picked up off the assembly line or right out of the arsenal rack.