I was just wondering what the general opinion is regarding the value of Japanese rifles with the Mum unmolested vs.the same rifle with the Mum removed or defaced?I know everyone would prefer the unmolested piece,but just what percentage would someone add to the price of a rifle for the intact Mum? all comments welcome Thanks Geoff.

i would say 75.00 more for a common *** rifle with no other problems.

I agree with Paul $75. $100. extra for a full, and I mean NO MARS whatsover, mum! BUT there are rifles that this estimate will not pertain to such as sniper rifles, paratrooper rifles & certain type 99 series (40th Jinsen etc). These are very scarce to find with full mums.

Thank you for your replys gentlemen!Is there also a formula for "Dust covers"? Were these numbered to the weapons??G.

Geoff, most Japanese rifles (type 38s, 44, 99s) originally had matching dustcovers. Some early rifles bolts & dustcover are matched by an assembly number. Early - middle period type 99 also had matching dustcovers. I would easily overlook a defaced mum in favor of a matching dustcover. They are scarce to find matching & certainly add value to the rifle. I'd guesstimate another $100. ++

Beware of mums that have lines cut through them. Sellers often try to pass them off as "full mum", but to most collectors a struck mum is no better than one fully ground. I've been to more than one auction where the auction sold the rifle stating it "still has the mum" when it fact it had been "X"ed out or struck with a bayonet.