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LOT 409
Excellent Imperial Japanese Tokyo Arsenal Baby Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol with Two
Matching Magazines - Serial no. 2364, 7 mm Nambu cal., 3 3/8 inch round bbl., blue/straw finish, checkered hardwood grips. Manufactured
by the Tokyo Arsenal from 1909 to 1928, the “Baby Nambu” was the semi-official officer’s pistol of the
Imperial Japanese Military. Instead of being issued sidearms, Imperial Japanese officers would privately purchase their pistols, with the Baby
Nambu presented as the local alternative to imports from firms like Colt, FN, and Walther. These pistols were designated as a Type “B” to
differentiate it from the larger Grandpa and Papa Nambu series. Features fixed blade front and notch rear sights, with the “stacked cannonball” arsenal marking on top of the
chamber and the nomenclature markings and serial number on the right side of the frame. Fitted with checkered grips and a nickel
finished, alloy base magazine. All visible serial numbers match, including the inside of both grip panels and the magazine.
Includes an extra magazine with matching serial number and “.” spare magazine mark.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus original blue finish and 70% straw colors with
minor holster pattern edge wear, limited minor spotting, brown patina showing on the
grip straps, and otherwise limited handling wear with crisp markings. The grips are also
excellent with crisp checkering and rich original oil finish. Mechanically excellent. An overall handsome example of an Baby Nambu pistol that would make an appealing addition to any Imperial Japanese collection.
Estimate: 8,000 - 11,000
LOT 410
Exceptional World War II Japanese
Nagoya Arsenal Type 97 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Capture Plaque to Lt. Donal
D. Engen, Commander of B-24 Bomber “Deanna’s Dreamboat,” with Scope and Scope Case - Serial no. 4558, 6.5 mm Japanese cal., 31 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood stock. Approximately 14,500 Type 97 sniper rifles were manufactured at the Nagoya Arsenal and 8,000 at Kokura Arsenal between 1938-1943. A scope-equipped variant of the Type 38 service rifle, the Type 97 was one of Imperial Japan’s go-to sniper weapons for World War II, and gained great infamy during the “island hopping” campaign in the Pacific. This example has a see through rectangular window on the bottom of the forend with a plaque that reads “CAPTURED ON CORRIGADOR/28 FEBRUARY 1945/LT. DONAL D. ENGEN”. Included consignor supplied research indicates that Donal D. Engen was a commander aboard the B-24 Bomber “Deanna’s Dreamboat” starting in January of 1945, and there are a few pictures of him standing next to the plane. The research notes indicate “Deanna’s Dreamboat” had its first flight on January 19, 1945 and termination date of November 5, 1945, and lists 46 official missions flown by “Deanna’s Dreamboat” between April 1945 to August 1945. The Battle for the Recapture of Corregidor, where Lt. Donal D. Engen captured this Japanese sniper rifle, occurred between February 16, 1945-February 26, 1945, with American forces against defending Japanese garrison on the island fortress. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights. The receiver markings are properly offset to accommodate the scope base, with a crisp Imperial mum above Type 97 markings on top of
the receiver ring. Matching visible serial number “558” on the bolt assembly, bottom of the bayonet lug of the front barrel
band, and inside the floorplate. The top of the scope tube is marked “2.5X10” above a logo and “No2152/JES” and
the scope base is numbered “1956” on the left and “902” on the front. Includes a correct rubberized canvas scope
case with leather fittings and canvas suspension strap, and containing a brush.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina and some scattered
freckling on the balance. The stock is very fine and shows numerous dings, scuffs and a deep gouge on lower
right side of butt. Mechanically excellent. Scope is very fine with 90% original black painted finish with some light
handling marks, and slightly hazy but viewable optics with a well defined reticle. Scope case is very fine.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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