Japanese Nagoya Armory Type 14 Nambu, 4 5/8” 8x22mm Pistol, 1940 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB250604CM067
Make: Nambu, Nagoya Armory, Japan
Model: Type 14
Serial #: 80806
Year of Manufacture: July 1940
Caliber: 8x22mm Nambu
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol, fed by detachable magazines.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked with the serial along with Nagoya armory proofmarks, The date is marked “15 / 7” which translates to July 1940. The left side of the receiver is marked in Japanese kanji, “Hi” (Fire) and “Ann” (Safe) followed by “Type 14” (Juyon Nen Shiki). All parts are serial matched to the receiver, including all internals. The magazine is non-matched.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights/ Optics: This pistol has a dovetailed front sight post with a triangular-notch rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The two piece grips are serrated wood. There are small cracks in the bottom of the panels. There are several scratches and pressure dents throughout. The ribs are pronounced. Overall, the grips are in Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 8 Round Factory Magazine in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore but there is some moderate fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is moderate thinning and wear marks throughout. There are pitting marks and patina throughout. The action has moderate wear. The markings are mostly clear. The screwheads are mostly sharp and serviceable, the pins are tooled. Overall, this pistol is in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. This pistol has a magazine disconnect and left side safety.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: 1 Magazine, reproduction holster.
Our Assessment: The Type 14 Nambu pistol is one of the most iconic Japanese sidearms of World War II, serving as the standard issue pistol for the Imperial Japanese Army from the mid-1920s through the end of the war. Manufactured at the Nagoya Arsenal, this particular example dates to July 1940 and exhibits the classic features of the early “large trigger guard” variant introduced in that period, which addressed usability concerns in cold climates. Chambered in 8x22mm Nambu, the Type 14 is a unique blend of Japanese engineering and European-inspired mechanics, with a look and function unlike any other service pistol of the era. While this example has certainly seen field use, it remains a complete and functional piece with all major parts matching to the frame, including the internal components—a rarity that adds significant collector value. The magazine is a non-match, but it is an original wartime production piece. The pistol retains about 40% of its original blued finish with expected thinning and patina throughout, along with areas of surface pitting. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling and light erosion, rating a solid 8.5/10. The wooden grips show wear, small cracks at the bottoms, and handling dents consistent with service use, but remain intact and serviceable.
For collectors of World War II military firearms, this 1940 Nagoya-produced Type 14 offers an excellent opportunity to own a piece of Imperial Japanese history. Its matching parts and pre-Pearl Harbor manufacture date make it especially desirable to those interested in early war production firearms. Though cosmetically worn, this pistol still functions properly and stands as a tangible link to the Pacific Theater and Japan’s militarized industrial output. With its included reproduction holster, it’s a great candidate for historical display, collection, or study. -R.E.
