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Scarce Pre-WWII Japanese "Naval Contract" Model 1902 Papa Nambu Pistol with Original Papa holster

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,750.00 USD
Scarce Pre-WWII Japanese  Naval Contract  Model 1902 Papa Nambu Pistol with Original Papa holster
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This is both a very fine and very scarce Model 1902 Nambu pistol which collectors refer to as a Papa Nambu version. This example is in much better condition than most known examples of Papa Nambu pistols, as this model saw extensive service as a standard issue Japanese military pistol. This pistol is a Second Variation, that was produced under the Navy contract without the milled panels, with the Type "B" Navy anchor proof. It is marked on the left side of the frame with the Naval proof, Kanji characters, and serial number (3549). The top of the receiver has the small intertwined "TGE" mark for the Tokyo Gas and Electric Company. These pistols are equipped with adjustable tangent rear sight calibrated from 50- 500 meters and a fixed inverted "v" front sight, and the grip safety on the front of the grip strap. The right grip panels is also adorned with four-white painted Kanji Characters. It is complete with a correct nickel plated Papa magazine, numbered 5706 on the spine. The holster is an original "Papa" leather holster that has three Kanji characters painted on the front flap with the appropriate ammunition pouch on the front that contains two rows of loops (that have nine and seven each) inside the pouch. Inside the flap it has an additional number 15538 written in ink.
BBL: 4 7/8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 8 mm Nambu
Finish: blue
Grips: hardwood
Serial Number: 3549
Condition: Very fine with 70% of the correct arsenal refurbished blue finish still remaining with the balance of the pistol having browned out, primarily on the grip straps and trigger guard loop. The various small parts retain traces of their straw colors. The back strap has a couple of minor very old pitted spots, which is way above average as compared to what you typically see on these early Nambu pistols. The grips are good overall with numerous light handling marks and even honest wear overall across the tops of the checkering. Typically what you see from actual field use. The Kanji markings on the grip are clear and legible and should be translated. The original holster is fine. The leather shows minor scuffs and handling marks overall with clear Kanji markings not the flap. The stitching is tight overall, with a slight wrinkling of the leather hinge for the flap. The pistol has matching numbers except the magazine as noted above. This example of a Papa Nambu would certainly be a great addition to an advanced Japanese collection.