In response to this thread on the AVA,http://www.network54.com/Forum/405945/thread/1308499712/Diana+27+with+a+twist I have posted this response;

Here is my only Japanese marked Diana. (I'm always looking for other examples)
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It has this series of kanji on the left side of the breech block.
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Mine has a different Diana huntress to the three shown in Garvin's post. The rifle she is holding is like #2, but her sleeve is like #1.

The barrel has a brass liner, it appears to be smoothbore. It has a 5mm hole on the underside about 3 1/4 inches from the muzzle. The top of the barrel is stamped DIANA-LUFT-GEWEHR. The barrel is 36cm from muzzle to breech.

The cylinder measures approx 20.8cm from the front of the trigger block to the breech face. It has a Diana huntress logo above the word DIANA. No model number.

There is a small #62 stamped on the trigger block near the trigger (left side)

Trigger-guard is three hole.

Length from trigger to buttplate is approx 12 3/4 inches.

Comparing the kanji markings;
Charlies has.
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and mine has almost identical markings
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These are read right to left and appear to mean something like Lug-system, Tax-free certificate. Mine has the additional kanji for Union.

If anyone has more information about the meanings of these markings and the time scale during which they were used, please share your knowledge.

I recently acquired an air rifle with identical markings. I found your post very informative, as I know nothing of these guns.
On mine, the Diana logo is clear but only the "D", part of the "N" and the last "A" are distinguishable. All others have been worn off.

On each side of the trigger block, on the receiver are the numbers, "3" on left (looking down at trigger), and "6" on the right.

Also stamped in the barrel, forward of the breech block, is: "No. 15 Eagle".

I have no idea what the numbers near the trigger guard indicate...and suspect the "Eagle" stamp is something done by a previous owner of the gun, but am not sure.

Anything else anyone could provide would be most helpful.

Thanks!

Mark

Mark, did you read the email I sent to you last week?
I found the catalogue entry and will post a scan on here later this week.

I got the email....and will try to take some pictures and get them to you....as well as post them here.

Thanks for the background info....it filled some holes!

Mark

Finally got around to taking some pictures, although I have yet to get used to the camera....so please pardon the results...

Here is the advertisement from a 1937 catalogue.
The Eagle Diana F.15 is listed as a 'medium size Diana'

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Thanks for enlightening me! I had no idea that the gun was potentially that old, or even if the "No. F 15 EAGLE" was a brand name, and not something an owner had stamped in the barrel.

I will certainly keep my eyes open for any more of these types of airguns.

Thanks again, George.

Mark