The source who owned it is a reputable collector who has owned many fine vintage rifles, honestly I am surprised he does not post here. Definitely an H&H, definitely an arisaka, certainly real.

If a clapped out Mauser made by a third reich forced labourer can be fashioned into a fine sporting rifle by a competent gunsmith anywhere in the world I have no doubt an Arisaka could be turned into a fine rifle by a British maker. Presumably not a recent production. Jingoistic posturing aside Arisakas with the exception of late model rifles when the Japanese were on verge of destruction are well made rifles from what I have seen.

Honestly and all sarcasm aside I’m surprised Lancaster has not heard of one, must be very rare indeed