July 30th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale (20)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/30/2016
3-9/32" barrel in 7mm Nambu caliber. This exact pistol is featured on page 47 in the book titled "Military Pistols of Japan" by Fred L. Honeycutt Jr. and page 79 of "The Hand Cannons of Imperial Japan" by Harry Derby. At the time these books were published in 1982 and 1981, respectively, according to Honeycutt and Derby, of the approximately 200 Imperial Gift inscribed pistols only seven had ever surfaced to that date. These presentation pistols were presented to outstanding graduates of officer schools. The characters stamped on top of barrel extension, forward of the rear sight, translate to read "Imperial Gift". These presentation pieces were made by representatives of the Emperor. The Baby Nambu was introduced between 1906 and 1913. Production lasted until 1927. They were produced at the Koishikawa Arsenal in Tokyo and were originally referred to as the Type Nambu Small. Extremely limited production. Military personnel were required to purchase their pistols and at the time the sword was the preferred personal sidearm. Handguns were carried as an instrument of suicide rather than self protection. Also, the cost for a Baby Nambu was twice the price of a Colt Model 1903. In 1920 an imported Colt Model 1903 cost approximately 100 yen, while the Baby Nambu cost 180 yen. The salary of a second lieutenant was approximately 70 yen, which meant it would take two and a half months salary to buy a Baby Nambu. Given these statistics, a standard Baby Nambu is rare enough in its own right, while a marked Imperial Gift Nambu would be a prize in any military collection. This pistol has been completely disassembled and all numbered parts are matching, which includes the magazine. Standard features include blued finish, blade dovetail to base front sight, V-notch built into frame on top of rear sight, checkered walnut stocks with full serial number, straw colored trigger assembly, sear bar assembly and pin, firing pin spring guide, magazine release assembly, recoil spring guide, and extractor. The trigger still retains generous amounts of straw color. The bolt, locking block, and firing pin are polished. Magazine is nickel plated and uses full serial number with aluminum bottom that is checkered. Right side of slide has character stamp "Type Nambu" with serial number. Arsenal logo stamped on top front bridge. All legends are sharp. Pistol is equipped with the front grip safety. Walnut grips are excellent with no cracks. Pistol retains 85-90% of the original rust blue finish, albeit it is thinning with most notable thinning and minor age spotting on right top of frame. Action is excellent. Near mint bore. In addition to this very rare presentation Nambu is an original brown leather holster in excellent condition. Has the two brass loops for sling plus belt loop, hard clamshell lid, leather covered eight round ammo pouch attached. Characters stamped inside lid. It is similar to but not exactly like the holster featured on page 43 of Honeycutt and page 81 of Derby. Since Baby Nambus were acquired privately by officers, a variety of holsters will be encountered for this model. This is an incredible offering and a possible once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire the rarest of all Japanese military pistols.