May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2020
Produced in very limited quantities in mainland Japan and sold to officers. The diminutive design was inspired by the "Papa" Nambu pistol. Chambered for the smaller 7mm Nambu cartridge. The Baby Nambu was extremely expensive and was not a commercial success. The cost equalled to 1/2 a year's pay for the average young Japanese Military officer. Finished in a deep rust blue finish with bolt, striker, and internal small parts being left in the white. The magazine release, trigger, sear pivot pin, and bolt lock were finished in a straw heat coloring. Magazines were nickel with alloy bottom. Grips are of checkered walnut. These guns were made in very limited quantities and therefore most all small parts are numbered. This example #2340 is totally matching as was determined after detailed disassembly. CONDITION: Very fine with over 90% deep rust blue finish remaining. Slight finish loss as is normal is found over the recoil spring housing and muzzle end of barrel from holster storage. A small area of corrosion is present at right side of rear sight. The bore is excellent being bright and shiny with sharp lands and grooves. The action operates properly and even the firing pin is intact as is often not the case. The grips are very good with checkering points being slightly rounded but very good. Magazine is excellent and matching. A very fine example of one of the most prized souvenirs of the Pacific Theatre. TDW
Manufacturer
Kokura Arsenal