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LOT 1368
Desirable and Exceptional Navy Marked Tokyo Gas &
Electric Papa Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial
no. 3209, 8 mm Nambu cal., 4 7/8 inch round bbl., blue
finish, hardwood grips. Produced in limited quantities, the
“Papa” Nambu was the predecessor to the Nambu Pistol,
so nicknamed for being 1 generation ahead from the Type
14 Nambu, Imperial Japan’s usage of this sidearm continued
through World War II. Produced by the Tokyo Gas and Electric
Company under military contract, with the “GTE” marking on the
chamber, model markings and an “anchor” stamp on the right side around the serial
number and a pair of Kanji markings on the left side. Fitted with fixed front and
tangent rear sights, serrated cocking piece, grip safety on the front strap, lanyard
swivel, checkered contoured grips with paint markings on the right panel, and a
nickel plated magazine with checkered aluminum base. The magazine number has
been removed, otherwise numbers are matching overall.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, with 80% of the original blue finish, showing some
shallow pitting on the sides of the frame, spotting on the gripstraps, and mild
handling marks overall. Grips are very good, with a few mild dings. Mechanically
excellent. One will look a long time to find a finer example!
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 1367
Tokyo Arsenal Baby Nambu Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Matching
Magazine and Holster - Serial no.
4177, 7 mm Nambu cal., 3 1/4 inch
round bbl., blue finish, 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; officers would privately purchase their sidearms, with the
Baby Nambu presented as the local alternative to imports from firms
like Colt, FN and Walther. Fixed 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, numbered “4177/.” on the spine.
The firing pin is unnumbered, otherwise components are matching, including
the grips. Included with the lot is a Japanese military
pattern brown leather flap holster.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 95% of the original blue finish, showing some specks of mild
rust concentrated on the gripstraps, edge wear and mild handling marks. 60% of the original straw finish on
the small parts. Grips are also excellent, with mild dings. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine, slightly
undersized and configured for a different model of pistol, showing some light scratches.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,000
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