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Scarce Japanese Army Contract Model 1902 "Papa" Nambu Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Scarce Japanese Army Contract Model 1902  Papa  Nambu Pistol
This is an good example of a pre-war 1902 Army contract Nambu pistol as manufactured by the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal. Commonly called a "PAPA Nambu", these pistols were a continuation of the earlier Grandpa versions of the Nambu pistols and were usually without provisions for a shoulder stock. Approximately 7,100 were produced before production changed to the Type 14 model. This pistol was produced under the Army contract with the Kanji characters on the left side of the frame. The top of the receiver has the four intertwined cannon balls and the right side of the frame has the three Kanji characters (signifying the "Koishikawa-Arsenal") over the serial number. Adjustable tangent rear sight graduated from 100- 500 meters with a fixed inverted "v" front side. Fitted with hardwood checkered grips and a correct nickel plated PAPA magazine numbered "1067" on the back of the body .
BBL: 6 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 8 mm Nambu
Finish: blue
Grips: hardwood
Serial Number: 4909
Condition: Good overall. The pistol retains 95% of the original pre-war blue finish but having completely browned out overall. The front and rear grip strap exhibit pitting (a little heavier on the back) with some light pitting on top of the chamber area and along the main spring housing. This is typical of what you actually see on a "real war" used pistol. It was probably exposed to salt air in the jungles and then was put back into a leather holster. The grips are also good with no cracks of damage but showing wear across the checkering on both sides with several areas of pressure dents. Matching numbers on the bolt, cocking knob and both grip panels. This is one of those pistols that clearly exhibits actual use.