Type 38 a bringback?

[skscj]

I have a T-38 with Mum intact, no import stamp. Would this be a bringback? Are all intact Mum, no import stamp Arisakas bringbacks?

[gunboat]

I don't think so -- There were no import stamps before 1998? or what ever date. I think the mum's were only ground on those weapons captured in Japan -those captured elsewhere, China, Korea, ect did not have the mums ground off. Mine was a battlefield pickup from Okinawa, mum is intact but weapon had seen better days :-) At least I think that is correct info --

[Sampachi]

SKSCJ - It might be, it might not. I've heard how some GI's brought back mum'd rifles from a hidden cache in 1946. I have two rifles with commemorative plates of Yokusuka 1945, both mummed. The owner probably bribed the grinder. There just is no fast rule on the ground vs. mummed issue. There is even an anecdote by a surviving Japanese soldier that his unit defaced their own rifles, knowing that they would be dead soon. Luckily for him, he was knocked unconscious and captured.

Gunboat - Not quite true. The Chinese imports from 88-89 were a mixed bag and import stamped (usually Oyster Bay, NY). Some had intact mums, some were defaced and a few had been restamped by the PRC.

[jamesob]

think about this. if you have documents that proves it a bring back then yes its a bring back. if you have no documentation at all, then consider it an imported rifle. importation markings didn't start until the mid 60's iirc

[Spiggy]

paperwork

paperwork, paperwork

with paperwork, your chunk of wood and steel is GOLD

[gunboat]

I doubt all bringbacks had papers -- my rifle did not, the two swords did --but they were obtained at different times and places -- the rifle at Okinawa, the swords from the surrender of japanese forces Tsingtao, China. The sword papers are signed by the British customs officer who had just been recently released from four years plus captivity. More than you wanted to know, old man's memories.

[skscj]

Thanks for the info. yall. Great items you got gunboat.