Type in "arisaka type 99" into your search engine (Yahoo) and you'll get all the info you need. I just bought a type 99 a few months ago and was able to figure out when and where it was manufactured by the info on the various websites. The historic info is readily available. The emblem on the top of the receiver is a crysanthomum. It represents the ownership of the Japanese emporor. Most were ground off when Japan lost the war as a way to maintain dignity. I practically stold mine at an estate auction, but that's another story.