Mummy wrapped 'last ditch' Arisaka and bolt.

[Anzac15]

A friend of mine who runs a pawn shop called me the other day and told me to get to the store like 'NOW'...he said he just got something in that he knew I was going to have a fit over. Arriving at the shop he proceeds to bring from the back a 'last ditch' Arisaka in a complete mummy wrap. Bolt was seperate from the rifle, mummy wrapped as well. Bolt did not seem to be of the last ditch type. Story was, the vet who brought it back was later part of the occupation forces, and was sent to clear a cave on Okinawa of all these rifles. Apparently the place was full of these rifles. So he grabbed a rifle and a bolt. This is a legit piece, there is no doubt that the wrap has been on this rifle and bolt all this time. I am seriously considering buying this rifle. Anyone out there ever come across a Japanese rifle wrapped like this? I've seen plenty of wrapped Enfields and Mosin Nagants, but never an Arisaka. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

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[Bill Hollinger]

Were you able to take photos?

[Anzac15]

I was not. In my haste I ran out without my phone. (brilliant, I know) I'm going to try to get back there today.

[Aragorn243]

It sounds interesting but wouldn't be for me. I would have to take it out of the wrap and I know that isn't what you are supposed to do with it.

[NRA]

It sounds interesting but wouldn't be for me. I would have to take it out of the wrap and I know that isn't what you are supposed to do with it.

I would also do the same

[Bill Hollinger]

Oh come on fellas. Would you pull a white bag carbine out also? Wait a minute, we pull the wraps off real mummies too so I guess it would have to be.

[Anzac15]

That's my problem! Do I preserve this piece of history as is, or do I succumb to my desire to see this more than likely pristine piece? I didnt get back over there today, work ran late, but I called him, and he said it was still there. Man, what to do, what to do.....

[jmoore]

A friend of mine who runs a pawn shop called me...

That's the really amazing part of the story. Must be a real friend, not just a gu who knows you like this stuff.

If I felt better I'd do a road trip...

[Aragorn243]

If it were me and the price was right, I'd buy it. I'd then attempt to find someone who wants one in a wrap and is willing to pay the premium for it, sell it, and then buy a pristine rifle off of someone else that I could handle and use. The problem is, what is a good price for a Japanese rifle in the wrap?

[Midmichigun]

My Brother bought a British Enfield from WWII in Mummy Wrap. There was a table full of them. He took it home and unwrapped it, since he was concerned about it being a broomstick and some lead weights.... He never regretted it... but then again, he is NOT a collector.

Personally, I would buy it, take the story behind it... pin that story on it... and let her sit in my safe for the next generation. If this is legit.... it would be a more rare conversation pc, than an "opened" one....

I am more of a collector, especially of unique rifles... and don't shoot mine often (or ever in some cases). I figure that there are shooters out there... and then there are relics left for the next generation to ponder.... about the meaning of war, and the implements used in them.