Page 260 - 4096-FLIPBOOK3

LOT 3425
Tokyo Arsenal Baby Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 4267, 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,
replacement alloy base magazine, numbered “2267/.” on the spine. The firing pin and
grip panels are unnumbered, otherwise components are matching.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 80% of the original blue finish, showing patches of
shallow pitting concentrated on the left side of the frame, a brown patina on the
gripstraps and mild handling marks. The grips are fine, with light dings on the crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 3424
Rare 1901 Production Siamese Contract Military Test Mauser 1898 Bolt Action
Rifle, Serial Number “3” - Serial no. 3, 8 mm cal., 29 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured in 1901, this rifle appears to be one of a series of 100 rifles manufactured by Mauser for delivery to the
government of Siam for military testing. Like many world governments, the Siamese were working to stay abreast of the rapidly shifting trends in military technology and
tactics at the dawn of the 20th century, and like many of their peers found the Mauser to be a mature weapon system with many virtues. The Mauser action would serve as the base for the
rifle adopted by Siam in 1903, with the Tokyo Arsenal fielding the manufacture as Mauser themselves were too busy with prior contracts. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with the Mauser
address, “crown/letter” proofs and “3” serial number on the receiver ring and the Siamese “chakra” wheel emblem on top of the rear receiver bridge. The “3” is repeated on the bolt catch and the bolt components, save the
handle which is numbered “5” (possibly an inadvertent part swap during the period of testing). Fitted with a smooth pistol grip stock with a brown leather sling, “A16” on the belly of the stock, and a flat steel buttplate.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, with 90% plus original blue finish, showing some areas of spotting, brown patina and mild handling. The stock is very fine, with mild dents and scratches overall and some chipping around the
buttplate. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3423
World War II Imperial Japanese Nagoya Arsenal Type 99 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Desirable Externally Adjustable 4x Scope - Serial no.
4648, 7.7 mm Japanese cal., 26 inch round bbl., blue finish, mahogany stock. Manufactured c. 1943-1945, after Type 99 sniper rifle production was
suspended at the Kokura Arsenal and resumed by the Nagoya Arsenal, with the highest reported serial number being “9984” as discussed on page
124 of “Military Rifles of Japan” by Honeycutt Jr. and Anthony. Features fixed winged post front and folding ladder peep rear (folding anti-aircraft
wings absent) sights, the imperial “chrysanthemum” crest retained on top of the receiver ring with two slashes through and the model designation
underneath, the Nagoya arsenal marking and serial number “4648” correctly marked on top of the receiver to make room for the scope mount,
and a correctly down turned handle on the bolt. Matching “648” partial serial numbers on the extractor, bolt, and bayonet lug.
Topped off with a desirable “externally adjustable” 4x telescopic sight, with “NTC/KOGAKU” manufacturer
marking and serialized “1386”. Includes a leather sling.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 60% plus original blue finish with some light edge wear, light cycling wear,
smooth grey and brown patinas on the balance, minor freckling/spotting, along with clear and bright
markings. The stock is also very fine with a protective coat of added varnish, minor handling marks, and some
staining. Mechanically excellent. The scope is fine with some flaking black paints, light spotting, and some
debris in the partly hazy objective lens.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
258