The Type 38 6.5 caliber Arisaka rifle was designed in 1905, replacing the type 30 used in the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-1905. This short rifle, serial number "53357", was issued between 1940-1945 to the Japanese military and used during World War II. Stamped into the metal, under the symbol denoting it is a type 38, is a 16 petal chrysanthemum, the seal of the Japanese Empire. When Japan surrendered after World War II in 1945, many Japanese soldiers scratched off the Imperial seal in an effort to save face. Emperor Hirohito was the last Emperor of Japan after the Potsdam Declaration and occupation of Japan by the Allied Powers. Due to many surrendered guns having the seal scratched off, it is relatively rare to see one still intact.
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