Page 261 - 89-FLIPBOOK3

LOT 3391
Exceptional and Scarce Tokyo Arsenal Baby
Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol with Matching
Magazine - Serial no. 1699, 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 cannonballs” Tokyo 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 matching numbered nickel finished alloy base magazine. All matching visible serial numbers including the underside of both grip panels. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. The grips are excellent with a few minor handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
Artillery Arsenal in Koishikawa, Tokyo, the Baby Nambu, also referred to as the Type B, was the “unofficial” officer’s pistol of the Imperial Japanese Army; protocol of the time was for officers to buy their own kit,
with imported .32 caliber American and European
automatics being more popular and generally costing half the price. The Baby Nambu provided a homegrown
alternative. Fixed sights, with the four intertwined cannon balls of the Tokyo Arsenal on top of the chamber, serrated cocking piece, and checkered grips. All of the visible serial numbered components are matching numbered including the grip panels and nickel finished magazine.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% original blue finish with some scattered areas of light to moderate pitting, smooth brown and gray patinas on the balance with sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grips are also fine with some scattered nicks
and handling marks, a small chip at the top front corner of the left panel and mostly defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 3394
Very Scarce 50 Round
Box of 7mm Baby Nambu Ammunition - Grouping consists of 50 rounds of 7mm Nambu pistol ammunition, sans headstamps, in a cardboard box with Japanese nomenclature
on the lid.
CONDITION: Fine overall. The rounds appear to be in good order, and the box has some torn corners, stains and lightly penciled 7m/m number on lid. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 3393
Scarce Tokyo
Arsenal Baby
Nambu Semi- Automatic Pistol with Matching Magazine
- Serial no. 4042, 7 mm
Nambu cal., 3 1/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood
grips. Manufactured at the Tokyo
LOT 3392
Fine Japanese Tokyo Arsenal Papa Nambu Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Holster and Ammunition
- Serial no. 6520, 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 Papa Nambu was produced
in relatively limited quantities. Blade front and tangent
rear sights, with the stacked cannonball Tokyo Arsenal
marking on the chamber, 3-symbol nomenclature on the
right side, straw finished small parts, smooth back strap,
checkered and nickel finished magazine with alloy base. The
magazine is numbered “3522” (two numbers off of the gun), otherwise all
matching visible serial numbered components. Includes a correct brown
leather clamshell holster (with cartridge loops under flap) and an opened box
of Japanese military 8 mm Nambu ammunition with 15 rounds remaining.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% arsenal refurbished blue finish with the grip straps turned
to a brown patina showing some scattered mild pitting. The grips are also fine with some light handling marks, a few small chips, and defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Included holster is fine.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
259