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Japanese Papa Nambu

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Japanese Papa Nambu
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Japanese Papa Nambu, by Tokyo Arsenal, #8315, 8mm, 5'' barrel, blue finish, straw small parts, checkered walnut grips, with mismatched aluminum based magazine (4746). Chamber marked ''TGE'', rear sight calibrated 0-5, correct pre-war mustard-colored lanyard is present. Considered by collectors as an 8000 Series Papa Nambu, probably produced between 1923-1928. Described in Derby & Brown's book, ''Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns, 1893-1945'', on page 67, as a desirable collection variation, with the Tokyo Gas & Electric (TGE) markings further explained on page 65 stating that the Tokyo Arsenal was the supervising arsenal over TGE, and that basically TGE was subservient to both the Japanese Imperial Navy and the Tokyo Arsenal. This pistol was probably delivered to the Japanese Army and not the Navy as it lacks the naval anchor, retaining the Tokyo Arsenal four cannonball symbol. Condition is about fine retaining approx. 92% lightly toning blue. Grips remain crisp with one small loss to upper forward corner of left panel. Action remains crisp, bore is fine remaining mostly bright with very light frosting in the grooves. Est.: $2,000-$3,000. (C&R)