96

Tokyo Arsenal Type B 'Baby Nambu' 7mm SN: 3378

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Tokyo Arsenal Type B 'Baby Nambu' 7mm SN: 3378
SN: 3378.A desirable early production Japanese "Baby Nambu" Type B pistol with matching magazine. These rare Nambus were manufactured by the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal in Koishikawa Tokyo circa 1909. 3.25": barrel, 6.75" overall, chambered ion 7x20mm. Grip safety on the fore strap. Although never officially adopted, they were a private purchase weapon that was intended as a status symbol for high ranking Japanese Army and Naval officers. The chamber bears the four-intertwined cannon-balls of the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal, and the left side of the receiver is marked with Japanese characters that identify the model with serial number 3378 directly below that. The serial number is also visible on the underside of the bolt, the back side of the cocking knob and the back side of the left grip panel. It comes with its original nickel-plated magazine with an aluminum base that is correctly numbered "3378" on the spine of the magazine. It has an unnumbered striker and bolt lock and striker guide. The grips are finely checkered hardwood. Approximately 5,900 examples of the finely finished compact "Baby Nambu" pistol were manufactured by the Tokyo Arsenal before production ceased in 1929. The "Baby Nambu is the scarcest and most desirable Japanese semi-automatic pistol. These rare pistols have a rust blue finish with a bright polished "in the white" bolt with the straw colored trigger, magazine release, sear pivot pin and bolt lock. Bore is pristine, action is smooth/tight, wood grips are near excellent. Pistol has been refinished, appears to be an old arsenal reblue, about 90% with edge/handling wear. There is some areas of slight pin-prick pitting un the old refinish. NRA Condition-Good. C&R Firearm.