My picture of the day

[Rick the Librarian]

VeeVee, who sometimes posts on this forum, scanned and sent to me this interesting picture of a Japanese soldier examining a M1903 or M1917 rifle. The picture was taken on Bataan or Corregidor shortly after the American surrender.

As I looked at the picture more carefully, the rifle appears to be a M1917 - note the "hook" in the buttstock. The bolt almost looks like an M1903, though.

Information

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[Dan Shapiro]

Yep, M1917. Supposedly, at the close of WWII, when the home islands were occupied, the people had to turn in ALL weapons. M1's, 03's and 17's showed up in the piles of weapons, obviously 'trophies' of their earlier battles.

[Rick the Librarian]

According to Nick Ferris' book on the M1917, the Japanese 6th Division used M1917s against invading American troops in 1944-45.

[Rick the Librarian]

The "helmet" on the ground looks similar to those worn by some Philippine Commonwealth troops.

[Hank Stone]

Looking at the helmet,is that a foot or a hand laying next to it,I cant quiet make it out?