Arisaka info wanted

[Rifleman188@yahoo]

I have a Short Arisaka Carbine which I believe to be a 38 Calvary Carbine probably sporterised overseas but if so in the 1930's or 40's and with a very odd history that defies reasonable explanation. The rifle does not have nor does it ever look to have had a Mum on the upper receiver. All of the metal parts seem to be intact although heavily engraved. Their is a deer head inlayed in the upper receiver with extensive engraved scrollwork on all parts of the receiver, tang trigger guard and magazine floorplate. This rifle was brought home by a US soldier who acquired it in a second hand or pawn type store in Nuremburg Germany late 1945 while in the army of the Occupation. The rifle was already engraved when acquired but had not been tapped for scope mounts. A family member thinking to use the carbine as a hunting weapon had the receiver tapped for weaver bases in the mid 1950's. Due to ammunition issues in 60's and 70's the carbine fell in disuse and the scope and bases were removed and the weapon remained in the gun rack until around 2010 or so when it was given to me. I put it in the rack and forgot about it as a sporterised military rifle (ho hum) until recently when I began working a trade for a Arisaka training or school rifle with a individual who is far more knowledgeable on Arisakas than I. When I mentioned the old carbine the Arisaka guy wanted to see it and when he did he got all excited and started to make offers in the $500.00 range. That got me curious and I started to do my own research and now am asking for the assistance of other collectors or potential Arisaka experts. I understand some Arisaka Carbines went to various locations in Europe prior to WWII and it is my belief that is the origin of my carbine. Please view my pics and provide info or opinion if you will..

[Rifleman188@yahoo]

All the information I provided was testimonial info provided to me by family members. I Cannot verify the info now as most of the involved players are deceased. A spoke with The Soldiers wife/widow and she remembered her husband bringing "a short pretty rifle with a deer head" home from Germany when he returned in 46, 47 the story of origin was what he allegedly provided to her and can not be verified further but it all seemed to fit known timelines but I know from experience we all are completely "truthful" with our wives on the cost and origin of all of our firearms.

[bob q]

It is a sporterized Type-38 carbine . An early Koishikawa , with a pulled from service stamp . It could have been part of the group that went to England in the WWI time frame , or to Finland . It was made with a mum , it just has been ground off . Other than a nice sporter , it is nothing special . If it is in 7mm it could have been a Mexican that went to Russia . How , or if , it ended up in Germany is anyone's guess .

---------- Post added at 07:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:57 PM ----------

Also I do not see any Pre WWII English or German firing proofs on it , they would have been required in either country .

[Aragorn243]

Kind of a unique piece. Several ways already mentioned it could have found its way to Germany and then to an engravers place of business. Probably worth more to someone who collects that sort of art rather than as a military piece. Shame it was tapped. I wonder why they went to all that time and expense with the engraving, polishing and the bolt and then left that distinctive "ugly" military front sight on it.