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Broken stock repair Question

1BigGuy
I just received a Japanese Type 38 Cavalry carbine that was brought back by a veteran during WWII. The stock arrived broken along the left side of the slot where the dovetail joins the two pieces of the stock together in the butt area. This damage appears to have occurred during shipping.
My question is:
Would it further damage its value if I carefully glued the broken section together?
Thanks in advance for any and all replies.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • slumlord44
    Any damage and resulting repairs will lower the value. Problem is what to do after the damage is done. Depending on the value of the gun and how good you are with repairing such damage, I would either fix it myself or have it professionaly done. I had a Stevens Tip Up rifle that UPS managed to almost completely break the stock in half. Because I came out well on the insurance, I chose to have it professionaly repaired. I know where the repair is but it is verry difficult to find if you don't know where the repair is
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  • 62fuelie
    Have you considered looking on GB parts auction or other sources for a replacement? Not being very familiar with the Arisaka types I'm not sure what special things - cartouches, etc - might be involved.
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  • 1BigGuy
    One of the things about this rifle that appealed to me was the fact that it had two .30 caliber holes in it. These holes were inflicted by the American that brought it back as a war trophy from its previous Japanese owner. Surprisingly, I don't think these holes have anything to do with the broken stock because the break doesn't go through either one of them.
    In any event, I don't want to replace the stock. I think I would like to try repairing it.
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  • steg
    Since you value this piece as an historic relic, unless you are a master woodworker experienced with gunstocks, I suggest that you do not attempt to do the repairs yourself. You have a good chance of ruining an antique piece of wood, and then it will cost more to have it fixed than in its present condition.
    There are many professional custom gunstock makers/restorers with sites on the internet. Just search for one on google. I'm sure you will find one near you who will restore your stock for a reasonable price. In most cases, you will not be able to tell that the stock has been fixed.
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  • Hawkshaw
    Hi BigGuy---I repair, and refinish stocks all the time. Questions----Is stock completely broken, or just cracked? Is there any wood missing? What kind of finish is on wood. Close up photos posted here would help people make suggestions. Good Luck HAWKSHAW
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  • 1BigGuy
    The stock is completely broken, but all the wood is still there. It broke from the butt all the way to the wrist. Japanese stocks were made of two pieces dovetailed together. The break is along the left side of the socket. Here's a picture of the break:

    ry%3D400

    I am thinking about using some Acraglas gel epoxy and 1/8" brass alloy pins to hold it together from the inside. I hope to hide the repair this way.
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  • 1BigGuy
    I don't want to mess up the finish in anyway. It must be kept in its original state as brought back from the war.
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  • 260
    easy fix.
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  • slumlord44
    Considering the history and providance, I would spend the money to have it professionaly repaired. As was stated earlier, easier and cheaper to have it done right the first time.
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  • Fatstrat
    If you do it yourself, I would drill some holes in both pieces and install 2 or 3 small wooden dowel rods to add strength. Then glue it back with the dowels glued in as well. The holes wouldn't need to be very deep. I'd say about 3/8" on both sides.
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