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.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Fred
Very interesting and thoughtful prespective.

[Aragorn243]

Yeah but Fred would probably take an M1 out of a white bag, whatever that means.

But then again, who leaves the car on the lot after they buy it? That one little drive knocks 10% of the value right off the car.

As I said, I couldn't stand leaving it in that stuff myself but I'd have a tough time taking a loss on the project too if there's someone out there willing to pay for the "rarity". I just want a nice functional rifle that I can use.

[NRA]

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.

I am with ya Fred

[Midmichigun]

HHMM....
I argue the other direction... that once it has been "uncovered"... it will be just like all the other rifles out there that were made.... I already have several Last Ditch rifles, and while each one is unique... it is understood why.

I have heard plenty of times that rifles should be shot and used... but I also acknowledge that there are MILLIONS of Arisaka rifles out there currently, just for that purpose, already unwrapped.

If I had 2 wrapped rifles, then I could see the argument of unwrapping 1, and leaving the other for history....

But I also make the argument, that overall these rifles are fairly well documented, and that the rarity lies in its present condition (assuming it is authentic). I can show a dozen experts a given example of an Arisaka, and the majority will verify the originality of each component based on other original documented rifles.... truly, what will uncovering this one accomplish aside from removing its value as a novelty???

The only value I see, is if you find a bumper sticker under the wrap saying, "Go Michigan!"

Seriously thooooo... the other concern that I have, is that many people won't fire their "last ditch rifle" due to the safety aspect... will this be one of them???

Even if you document it to the hilt while unwrapping, within 1 owner, its provenance can be lost...

I own several Arisaka rifles with "provenance" as to how they were gotten, but as they say... "buy the rifle... not the story".... and even now the Veteran's story is in doubt as to being "real" within living memory of the events....

If this rifle is an authentic mummy wrap... then the rifle itself is the story...

Truly, it would be a shame to unwrap this example, only to say, "yep... its just like the other dozen I have in the rack."....

LOL! Rant off!
Happy collecting and no digs on anyone... just my personal view of the world!

P.S. Aragorn, consider that if you truly want a rifle to shoot, then maybe you need to pass on this, and get a nice used example. I have safe queens, and shooters... each has a purpose....

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

There are strong and valid arguments to be made on both sides of this discussition which has made this a very interesting post. I lean towards leaving it wrapped. Fred's and others points are well taken hovever.
My only hesitation to purchase it would be my inability to leave it as is if I determined it was best to do so. I am glad I'm not this big a fence straddler on every issue.

[gsimmons]

I'm sorry, I just don't understand why anyone thinks they should unwrap it. It would be destroying an historical artifact . For what purpose?

[NRA]

now picture this, would it not be funny to unwrap it just to find the mum scrubbed?

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

now picture this, would it not be funny to unwrap it just to find the mum scrubbed?

I am not completley convinced it was not wrapped by a fastidious GI/Sailor prior to shipment home so I think your question is plausable and if true could solve the mystery. I would hope the item is reasearched to the degree possiable before it is unwrapped. Surely if the Japanese wrapped it the wrapping itself would hold some clues. Someone needs to go CSI on that thing.

[Midmichigun]

NRA,
Know, you are correct on that aspect. I have never seen a wrapped Arisaka before. How would one such be wrapped if authentic?
It very well could have been packed by a concerned USGI.
I would admit that until I would be smarter, I certainly wouldn't open it up...
I actually picture it (if authentic) on a stand with a brief description of it, next to an unwrapped version..... in a collection.
Hooked on History,
Spot on... careful research on the front end... saves work and mistakes on the back end....