I have a buddy who is getting ready to help his aunt sell a few of her late husbands rifles. The first is a WWII Japanese bolt action in, I think, 7.65 or similar. Second one is a Winchester model 1200 (I may buy this one) and last is a Golden Eagle. That's all he had on it so far and that is the one that peaks my intrest the most.

So my question is, do any of you have any knowledge of the Golden Eagle brand. From what little I have seen on the net it was produced by Nikko. I should know more by tomorrow on the caliber and action.

I would guess that Japanese WWII rifle is an Arisaka Type 33 or Type 99. However, I thought those were all chambered in a 6.5 X 50 caliber, not 7.65. But I could be wrong. Thousands of those guns made it back to the U.S. after the Japanese surrendered, so there is very little monetary value to this gun. You could 'sporterize' it and use it for a deer rifle, though.

Can't help you with the other two guns.

7.7 jap (7.7 x 58mm) type 99s were chambered in 7.7. It dosnt have a mum ingraved in the top of the reciver by any chance does it?

I have been asked a few times about the flower. What is the significance of it?

The Arisaka had a Chrysanthemum on the receiver. One of the final standing orders of the Imperial Army was to file off the Emperor's family Chrysanthemum insignia from each of the rifles, thereby preventing dishonor from having the symbol fall into surrender.

A lot of rifles will have the mum filed off or chiseled or just banged on to disfigure it.

Intresting stuff. Thanks ! And I'll let you know more when I see the gun next week.

Finally got more info on the old Japanese rifle. It does have a flower on it with , I think he said, 3 Japanese characters under it. I hope to be able to see it tonight.