Having had the luxury (and privilege) of spending a week holidaying in Houffalize just a few yards from the restored Panther I was able to photograph...
Imagine - you wear a helmet for weeks on end in all sorts of temperatures and with a sweaty, dirty head and all that 'grunge' and grime will transfer...
Looks like an honest battle rifle from here. Is it a Type 38 or Type 99? Sorry the scope eludes me too. Wish I had more knowledge on period Japanese...