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Scarce Japanese "Baby Nambu" Pistol Made By Tokyo Arsenal With Matching Magazine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,100.00 USD Estimated At:2,750.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Scarce Japanese  Baby Nambu  Pistol Made By Tokyo Arsenal With Matching Magazine
This is an example of a very scarce and desirable "Baby Nambu" pistol. This pistol was manufactured at the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal, in Koishikawa Tokyo between 1903 and 1928 with only approximately 6000 total produced with this specific pistol being mid-range in the production cycle. They were produced at the same time the larger Grandpa Nambu's were however they were designated as a type "B" to differentiate it from the larger series. Although they were never officially adopted by the military they were recognized as an "Authorized" firearm intended for private purchase by high ranking officers in either the Army or Navy. The chamber bears the four intertwined cannon balls of the Tokyo Arsenal and the right side of the receiver is marked with Japanese characters that identify the model above the serial number "2432". It has a high quality rust blue finish and straw colored, trigger, magazine release, sear pivot pin and bolt lock with the bolt being finished bright. The magazine has a nickel-plated body and aluminum base. The grips are finely checkered hardwood or mahogany. This pistol is complete with a excellent, post-war handmade walnut display box with a green felt fitted interior with a small compartment that contains one "7mm, Baby Nambu" round. The land has been nicely inset with the Tokyo Arsenal, four-intertwined cannon ball symbol. The "Baby" Nambu is perhaps the most scarce and desirable Japanese semi-automatic pistol.
BBL: 3 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 7 mm Nambu
Finish: blue
Grips: mahoganay
Serial Number: 2432
Condition: Very fine with 90% of the original blue finish with the grip straps showing oxidation of the blue finish with some very slight pin prick rust starting to develop and browning overall. The balance of the pistol retains a very nice vivid blue finish with some very slight pin prick pitting on the recoil spring housing and right side of the upper receiver area, with a small blood-pitting area on the right underside of the barrel. The grips are in excellent condition with nice sharp distinct checkering with no cracks, damage or pressure dents. The custom display box is in good condition and nicely display the pistol. The pistol has matching serial numbers on the bolt, cocking knob, back side of the grips and the lower spine of the magazine. A very nice example of scarce Baby Nambu pistol