Baby Nambu

[tark]

Today was inventory day at the R.I.A. Museum, and I held some interesting guns, which I posted in the General Guns Discussion forum. But one auto pistol caught my eye, this little Baby Nambu.

I picked it up and, as the Aussies would say, I was completely "gob smacked." It looked brand new. I could find no wear on the finish at all! If I would have had a box to put it in I would have called it "N.I.B." I have never seen a gun so close to perfect that I would call it 99+++% Until now.....

These crude photo's don't even begin to do it justice. I have never seen any firearm so beautifully polished and blued. The diamonds on the grips were sharp and unblemished. It makes my 99% C-96 Broomie look like a Hi-Point. I absolutely mean that.

And now I will have to beg forgiveness from the Mauser Gods for my Heresy.....

 

[Lyle Wyatt]

Do you know the "back story" or history on this particular Nambu?

 

[Patocazador]

I had no idea that they were that small .. unless you have huge hands.

"Baby" Nambu sure seems appropriate.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

These are often found in excellent condition as they were privately purchased by well-heeled Japanese officers, many of whom were too high ranking to see combat.

They are also valuable enough ($5G+) to warrant professional restoration- which can lead ignorant or unscrupulous gun show sellers to try to to pass them off as original finish.

A very cool gun, amazingly well built for its size- but then it was a boutique weapon designed for the gentleman officer who demanded the best and was willing and able to pay for it.

A fellow where I work recently inherited a 95% plus example from his father who had served in WW2, complete with clamshell holster, tools and a full magazine of 7mm rounds. Not being a gun guy, he asked me how much his Dad's "Japanese Luger" was worth.....

He has it in a lexan case now, insured. Lol.

Thanks for sharing, Tark!

 

[tark]

Do you know the "back story" or history on this particular Nambu?

I wish I did. The gun has the original holster and a spare magazine. I will talk to out Archivist and see if I can find any additional info.

I had no idea that they were that small .. unless you have huge hands.

"Baby" Nambu sure seems appropriate.

I most certainly do not have huge hands. The gun is tiny. It fired a tiny little 7mm bottle necked round, if memory serves me.

 

[Waveski]

You sure can tell what Bill Ruger had as his reference base.

Very interesting , thanks for posting this.