Pics of 'mummy wrapped' last ditch Arisaka.

[Fred G.]

As an archaeologist, I feel you should photograph it from all angles and in various light for documentation. Then, with this information retained for research, and knowing that you can't extend your research on this rifle any further in this condition, I would take it to the next stage and unwrap it, taking photo's all along. Then before you clean it, of gunk, take more photo's. inside the bore, noting the amount of grease inside. save all of the wrappings and grease in plastic bags. Lastly, clean it up and take more photo's of the rifle from all angles, screw heads, any finger prints on it that you encounter along the way etc. There's nothing to be gained by leaving it as is outside of showing everybody who cares what it looks like. Don't stop there. Take your research all the way. Document stamps on the wood, metal leather if any exist etc. Of course you have to buy it first. If you don't want it, please tell me the info of the present owner. About the cleaning rod. Is it possible that the practice was to slide it inside of the greased bore? We'll never know that answer unless somebody has the forsight to look. This rifle shouldn't be a closet queen.