Markings on the Model 38 Rifle
Picture number M38210 (picture courtesy of Shannon Zeigler) Typical Model 38 rifle markings as found on the top of the receiver ring. The top character is the number 3, the middle character is the number 8, and the bottom character means model. Hence 38 model. The chrysanthemum (or "mum") crest has been ground off this rifle.
Picture number M38220 (picture courtesy of Shannon Zeigler) Markings on the left side of the receiver. Here, the leftmost character in the circle is the series, the middle number is the serial number, and the rightmost symbol is the factory designation (Nagoya Arsenal).