Page 388 - 4095-BOOK1

386
LOT 432
Documented Japanese Tokyo Arsenal Model 1902 Grandpa
Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol with Shoulder Stock - Serial no.
2043, 8 mm Nambu cal., 4 5/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood
grips. Forerunner of the Type 14 Nambu that would be the standard
Japanese sidearm of World War Two,
the Grandpa Nambu was produced in
relatively limited quantities well before
the Papa Nambu was introduced, with
only around 2,400 made by Tokyo Arsenal. The serial number of this
Grandpa Nambu is recorded in “Hand Cannons of Imperial Japan”
by Derby (page 44), where the survey reports Thai markings and
a “short” style matching stock. A number of Grandpa Nambus are
known to be so marked, though the exact circumstances behind it
haven’t been conclusively determined. Blade front and tangent rear
sights, with the “stacked cannonball” Tokyo mark on the chamber,
3-symbol nomenclature on the right side and the Thai “sunburst”
style mark visible on lower front gripstrap. The original pattern fixed
lanyard staple and slotted backstrap are present and unaltered.
Matching numbers are present overall, including the checkered
grips and the nickel finished wood base magazine. The stock body is
constructed from hardwood, with blued steel hardware, a matching
serial number, and a telescoping neck for the mounting iron.
CONDITION: Fine as arsenal refurbished/subsequently professionally
restored, with 90% of the blue finish, showing high edge wear,
areas of light spotting and brown patina, and mild handling marks.
The grips are also fine, with some chipping around the edges and
minor dings. Mechanically excellent. The professionally restored
stock is well polished with attractive grain and 95% plus blue finish
on the renumbered to match hardware, though the neck and iron
mechanisms need adjustment.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000
Listed by serial number in The Hand
Cannons of Imperial Japan by Derby