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Exceptionally Rare Pre-WWII Early Production (Serial number 155) Japanese "Grandpa" Nambu Pistol wit

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Exceptionally Rare Pre-WWII Early Production (Serial number 155) Japanese  Grandpa  Nambu Pistol wit
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This is a very rare example of an original Grandpa Nambu pistol that is complete with two matching magazines. The Type 1902 pistol, termed the Grandpa Nambu, was the first successful Japanese designed self-loading pistol. Approximately 2,400 Type 1902 Nambu Pistols were manufactured in total by the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal at Koishikawa, Tokyo between 1903 and 1906. Produced in very limited numbers, the Type 1902 Nambu is a rare and desirable pistol and it has been estimated by authors Harry Derby and James Brown (Japanese Military Handguns 1899-1945) that based on their survey, fewer than 150 'Grandpa' Nambu pistols exist in U.S. collections today. The distinctive features of this model are the very small trigger guard and the rear grip strap that is slotted for a shoulder stock, with the top of the receiver fitted with the distinctive long-range tangent rear sight graduated to 500 meters. The top of the chamber area is stamped with the four-intertwined cannon ball symbol of the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal at Koishikawa, and the right side of the receiver is marked with characters signifying "Nambu Type" above the serial number "155". The pistol has finely checkered walnut grip panels. As noted this example is complete with two matching, nickel plated, eight-round magazines, both with a wooden base with checkered sides. The back side or spine of the magazine is correctly stamped with serial number "155".
BBL: 4 7/8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 8 mm Nambu
Finish: blue
Grips: hardwood
Serial Number: 155
Condition: Fine with 70% of the faded original blue finish overall with the balance of the pistol having browned out/oxidized with some minor blue loss on the edges and high spots overall. The grips are in very fine condition with nice checkering on both sides with only some minor handling marks. As noted this pistol has matching numbers to include the grips and both magazines, with one magazine having a replacement wooden base. This is an exceptionally rare early production Japanese Grandpa Nambu pistol with two matching magazines.