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SERIAL NUMBER LISTED IN THE BOOK THE HAND CANNONS OF IMPERIAL JAPAN BY DERBY
LOT 400
Very Scarce Documented Tokyo Arsenal Model 1902 Grandpa Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 400, 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. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with the “stacked cannonball” Tokyo mark on the chamber, 3-symbol nomenclature on the right side, serrated bolt sides, front strap grip safety, checkered hardwood grips (left panel number 162,
right 400) and a nickel finished magazine marked “1923” with a wood base. The cocking piece is number “44”. Some components are unnumbered, while others have mixed numbers. The serial number for this pistol is listed on page 44 of Derby’s “Hand Cannons of Imperial Japan”.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, with 90% plus arsenal blue finish, showing some wear on the high edges, scattered spotting and dings, and some light handling marks overall. The grips are very fine, with some light dings and scuffs. Mechanically fine. A solid representative example of a much sought after variation of a Japanese pistol.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 401
Tokyo Arsenal Baby Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster - Serial no. 2399, 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.
Minus the magazine, numbers are matching
overall. Included with the pistol is a fine quality
reproduction brown leather holster, made in
the style of the Imperial regulation “clamshell”
holster, with a leather shoulder strap.
CONDITION: Very good, with 80% of the original
blue finish, showing areas of pitting (heaviest on
the right side and under the grip panels), areas of
brown patina, bright edge wear and mild handling
marks overall. The grips are very good, with some light
dings. A few mild scuffs and cracks are visible on the holster, which remains strong and supple. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
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