Hello. I registered on this forum specifically for this mystery rifle, although I do hope to post on here more often, especially if I manage to collect even more milsurp firearms. I ordered this rifle, sporterized (I know, that bothers a lot of people) online a while back, and have been wondering about the kanji on the barrel ever since. The marking near the front sight is 12-18, so that appears to be WW1 original. I couldn't get a good picture of it, it was too shallow.

The interesting thing though is the strange markings on the underside of the barrel, accompanied by what looks like "J O"







I oriented the pictures in the way in which I have assumed, and been told by others, that they would probably be read. Does anybody have any idea what that means, or its origin? I really appreciate you taking a look.

http://imgur.com/a/9HgoF

http://imgur.com/a/zyMOj

I also included the full album of images of the markings I took, and general views of the rifle, if anybody is interested. It is really very beautiful. It looks like someone put a lot of time into sporterizing it.
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