If you are looking at a Japanese Arisaka rifle, one marking matters more than almost any other to collectors: the chrysanthemum, or “mum.” Whether it is intact, partially visible, or ground off tells a story about the rifle’s history and has a real effect on its value. Here is what the mum means and how to read it.
What the mum is
The 16-petal chrysanthemum is the symbol of the Japanese Emperor. Stamped on the top of the receiver, it marked the rifle as Imperial property — not the soldier’s, but the Emperor’s. You will find it on the standard service rifles: the Type 38 (6.5x50mm), the Type 99 (7.7x58mm), the Type 44 carbine, and the takedown Type 2 paratrooper rifle, among others.
Intact, ground, or partial
This is the part collectors care about most:
- Intact mum. A full, clear chrysanthemum usually means the rifle left Japanese service without being surrendered through official channels — often a battlefield capture or a bring-back taken before the war’s end. Intact-mum rifles are generally the most desirable.
- Ground mum. At and after the surrender, huge numbers of rifles had the mum ground or defaced — in many cases so the Emperor’s symbol would not pass into foreign hands. A ground mum is extremely common and does not make a rifle “fake,” but it does typically lower collector value versus an intact example.
- Partial mum. Sometimes grinding left part of the chrysanthemum visible beneath the mark. A partial mum is a nice middle ground and still shows the rifle’s Imperial origin.
Arsenal and series markings
Beyond the mum, Arsaka receivers carry the type designation and the arsenal that built them — Nagoya, Kokura, and others — often with a series symbol that helps date and place the rifle. Late-war “last ditch” rifles show simplified features such as fixed sights, wooden buttplates, and rougher finishing, reflecting wartime shortages.
What else to check
- Matching numbers. The bolt and other parts numbered to the receiver add value; many surplus Arisakas are mismatched.
- Dust cover, monopod, and AA sights. The sliding dust cover and the anti-aircraft sight wings are often missing — their presence helps completeness.
- Bore. 6.5mm and 7.7mm bores vary from bright to darkened; strong rifling is what you want.
- Cleaning rod and sling. Correct accessories round out a collectible example.
Find yours
We carry Type 38, Type 99, and other Arisaka rifles as they come in, and we describe the mum honestly — intact, partial, or ground — along with the arsenal, matching status, bore, and what is included. Browse our rifles or see the full catalog, or visit the shop in Plano.
General information for collectors, not legal or investment advice. Markings vary; verify details on the individual rifle.