3503

Scarce Japanese Baby Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol with Matching Magazine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,100.00 USD Estimated At:2,750.00 - 4,250.00 USD
Scarce Japanese Baby Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol with Matching Magazine
This is a nice example of a scarce Baby Nambu pistol. These were well-made, much smaller versions of the Papa Nambu. Though never officially adopted, it was recognized as an "authorized" firearm by the Japanese armed forces, particularly for high ranking officers seeking a more compact sidearm. Manufactured at the Tokyo Arsenal in Koishikawa, with the bolt polished and remainder finished in a high quality blue with straw colored small components. Fitted with a pair of finely contoured checkered grips and a nickel finished magazine with alloy base. The chamber bears the Tokyo Arsenal markings of the four intertwined cannon balls, and the right side of the receiver is marked with Japanese characters that identify the model above the serial number. It has matching serial numbers on the underside of the bolt, the back side of the left grip panel and lower spine of the magazine. Only about 6,500 examples of these "Baby Nambu" pistols were manufactured before production ceased in 1927, and they are the most scarce and desirable of the standard Japanese semi-automatic pistols.
BBL: 3 1/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 7 mm Nambu
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 4034
Condition: Excellent. The pistol retains 90% plus original blue finish with some thinning on the chamber area of the frame, some muzzle and high point wear and a few small areas of scattered minor pitting. There is some minor spotting on the top of the bolt and on the extractor. Most of the original straw colors remain with some areas of smooth silver gray. The magazine is also excellent with 98% original nickel finish remaining. The grips are very fine. With the exception of a small chip on the upper left front panel, there are some overall scattered minor dings and crisp checkering. The markings are highlighted in white and remain crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.