Finding Hirohito's gunsmith

J

jackcatholic

Inactive
I just came into possession of a Savage Model 99 that my grandfather purchased at the BX while in Japan shortly after the Japanese surrendered to the Allied Forces. My father has kept it all these years since the passing of my grandfather without telling the family much about the guns until now. Apparently, my grandfather became friends with Emperor Hirohito’s gunsmith and spent time with him regularly. When my grandfather received orders to return back to the states with his family (including my father) the gunsmith asked my grandfather if he would let him engrave his weapons as a gift before he departed. The short end of it is that I now have a beautifully decorated savage 99 rifle but have no official documentation or anything to substantiate the claims of who decorated it. Does anyone know who I would speak with to find out who the gunsmith was assuming that Hirohito didn’t have a bunch of them? Also, is there a way to substantiate such a claim of authenticity?
 
try google and see what pops up
Click to expand...

Many referances to "Beeman air guns"

I just tried many different versions of the question and Beeman came up in every one, Maybe a lead, I don't know.

Good luck in your quest.:confused:
 
Are you in a city with a Japanese embassy or consulate? These guys are all about good relations with the US. If they can't find the answer, they can at least find the way.
http://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp/

Are you in an area with a large university? If so they might have a Japan studies section. An email to the department might send you in the right direction.
http://history.byu.edu/Pages/Faculty/Skabelund.aspx
http://www.hawaii.edu/cjs/

More work. Trying to contact the history dept. of universities in Japan. Trying to contact a major museum in Japan is another option.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_National_Museum

You might consider preparing a formal letter (email) telling the story and including pictures.

I have corresponded with many people at various institutions and never had a negative response. They didn't mind at all that I was just a guy with idle curiosity. You have a compelling story, they'll be happy to help.
 
Most Japanese artisans sign their work. Look for a kanji signature in the upper right quadrant, with a symbol that looks like a forked stick (could only be displayed if the person or company made goods for the Imperial Palace). If it is unsigned, it will be difficult to verify unless the person used a very distinctive style.
 
There are a lot of custom and embellished guns from the Occupation in both Germany and Japan. American cigarettes, rations, and greenbacks would buy a lot from a hungry gunsmith or engraver.

Now whether you can track it down to the Emperor's engraver or anybody else identifiable after 65 years is another matter.

Buzzcook's contacts can't hurt.
 
I will work on some pictures etc. Those are excellent suggestions. I never would have thought of them. Thank you so much everyone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top