September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
The Papa Nambus were essentially second generaton Grandpas, revised in 1904. This is an interesting privately produced example by Tokyo Gas and Electric. After World War I, the Papa was shelved in favor of the Type 14, and the parts were transferred from Tokyo Arsenal to TG&E, who fulfilled the remaining contracts until 1928. Classic configuration, similar to the Type 14 but with distinct grip safety, with TG&E crest on top, left side of frame with kanji for "Army Type", right with "Type Nambu". Aluminum bottom magazine with checkered bosses. Pistol resists disassembly to verify internals, but observable numbers on exterior match. In a pigskin holster and accompanied by a handwritten translation of the kanji and instructions for disassembly. CONDITION: Good, with the majority of the original bluing remaining, with distension about some legends from application of stamp. Some mild oxidation to right side of slide, adjacent ejection port, and to straps, with some other scattered areas. Grip scales are very good with a few abraded heads on each side and a repaired chip on top of right scale. Mechanically fine, bore is very good with some light frosting and strong riflings. Magazone baseplate with some heavier handling marks. Leather is very good, supple, darkened from age and oil, with some darkness and verdigris to brass components. A good example of a scarce gun by a scarce maker.
CORRECTION: The anchor stamp on the slide is a Type B Naval Anchor, which suggests a mixed numbers gun.
Accessories
Leather holster
Manufacturer
Tokyo Gas & Electric
Paperwork
owner instructions and history