Thread: Gun Porn, show off your new toys

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

What's the story behind grinding off the markings?

My understanding is that the emblem was ground off surrendered weapons at the end of WW2, likely by order of Gen McArthur. The royal chrysanthemum was the symbol of the Imperial Family, and was ground off by either US troops/Japanese to save face, handing over a rifle with the chrysanthemum intact was considered a 'dishonour' to the emperor. Rifles with them intact are generally accepted to be battlefield pickups.

Originally Posted by Apocalypticaman

My understanding is that the emblem was ground off surrendered weapons at the end of WW2, likely by order of Gen McArthur. The royal chrysanthemum was the symbol of the Imperial Family, and was ground off by either US troops/Japanese to save face, handing over a rifle with the chrysanthemum intact was considered a 'dishonour' to the emperor. Rifles with them intact are generally accepted to be battlefield pickups.

The MUM was also ground off when a weapon was rotated out of service and onto training etc to signify it no longer serves the emperor. Another variation to this is circles stamped on the edges of the petals.