June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Prior to Japan's entrance into the second World War, officers were required to purchase their own side arms. If one wanted a small handgun, the exorbitant price of the Baby Nambu was the catalyst for many Japanese officers to seek less expensive hardware. During this period, numerous handguns were purchased of various makes, with the 1910 Mauser being one of the more popular quality guns purchased. For all intents and purposes it is a standard 1910 with blued finish, matching number on slide and frame, and checkered walnut grips. Magazine number does not match. Retains approximately 60% blue finish with some added finish. Right side of slide has been stamped with Japanese serial No. 2233 with two Japanese characters; one representing the Japanese Army. Comes in its period leather holster with some Japanese characters written inside. Has the flap with the sewn star. Another Japanese marked Mauser 1910 can be seen on page 285 in the book "Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns" by Derby and Brown. A nearly identical holster with green canvas colored leather strap can be seen on page 292, it looks to be the exact same type holster. These unusual Japanese World War II army related handguns are extremely scarce and desirable among Japanese military collectors.