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LOT 3373
Exceptional and Scarce Tokyo Arsenal Baby
Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 3149, 7 mm Nambu Auto 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 hardwood grips and a nickel finished, alloy
base magazine numbered “1366”. Minus the magazine, numbers are matching overall including on the inside of both grip panels.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus attractive original blue finish with the grip straps turned to a smooth brown patina and one spot of finish wear on the front left edge of the frame. 90% original straw colors visible on the small parts, strongest on the trigger. The grips are excellent, with minimal handling evidence and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,750 - 5,500
LOT 3374
Very Fine Naval Marked Japanese Tokyo Gas and Electric “Papa” Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 809, 8 mm Nambu cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Forerunner of the Type 14 Nambu that would be the standard Japanese sidearm of World War II, the Grandpa Nambu was produced in relatively limited quantities before the Papa Nambu was introduced.
Blade front and tangent rear
sights, with the “GTE” Tokyo Gas
& Electric mark on the chamber,
3-symbol nomenclature on the
right side, “naval anchor” on right
rear side, straw finished small parts, smooth
backstrap, checkered and nickel finished
magazine with alloy base. Mixed numbers are
present on the firing pin spring guide, with the magazine and grips restamped to match and the firing pin blank.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 75% plus original blue finish, with patches of pitting concentrated on the frontstrap and front sight, bright wear on the edges and the underside of the barrel, scattered spotting and mild handling marks. The grips are also very fine, with some minor dings and chips. Mechanically very good.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 3375
Very Scarce World War II Japanese Roakuoh-Sha Type 89 Aerial Gunnery Training Camera with Case and Accessories - A multi-purpose training device, this “gun” is effectively a camera mounted in a firearm- shaped housing, suitable for installation in a wing mount or waist-gun emplacement. When the trigger is pulled, the camera runs, with footage being taken of what the gun is aimed at, as well as an optional stopwatch (not included); after landing, the film can be analyzed by the trainers for proper lead and burst timing. Measuring 29 inches overall with a matte black finish, nomenclature plates on top and on the right side behind the folding crank, and a “round counter” on top. With a hardwood transport case, remote lines, tools, a set of detachable sights, film winding/unwinding tool, clamp-on mounting bracket, and six film reels with storage cans. CONDITION: Fine, with some dust/dirt accumulated in the crevices of the camera, slight yellowing of the celluloid cover for the stopwatch, and mild handling marks overall. The case shows some damaged or detached inner dividers, with scuffing on the exterior and good accessories. The mainspring, “round counter” and trigger mechanism all appear to be in good order.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
LOT 3376
Tokyo Arsenal Model 1904 “Papa Nambu” Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 3579, 8 cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Manufactured on an Army contract, with the “stacked cannonball” arsenal marking on the chamber region. Block base dovetailed “inverted V” front and tangent rear sights. The back strap is smooth, with a straw finished trigger,
serrated cocking knob, “one piece” style frame, checkered grips, and a nickeled alloy base magazine numbered “1113”. CONDITION: Fine, with 60% of the original blue finish, with a dull gray patina and mild pitting on the gripstraps and triggerguard, bright edge wear, areas of brown patina, and mild handling marks. The grips are very good, with some minor chips and dents. Mechanically functions fine but needs minor adjustment as it hangs up slightly when you retract the breechbolt. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
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