Nambu Type 94 Semi-Automatic Pistol 8mm Nambu 4.5″ C&R 1945 w/ Dog Tags

SOLD FOR: $1,875.00

LSB#: LSB250515WB001

Make: Nambu (Nagoya Arsenal)

Model: Type 94

Serial Number: 69951

Year of Manufacture: April 1945 (Showa 20.4)

Caliber: 8mm Nambu

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action, Internal Hammer, Fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 4.5”

Sights / Optics:
The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch machined into the back of the bolt.

Stock Configuration & Condition:
The grips are two-piece smooth slab wood panels usually secured with a single transverse screw. The grips show wear consistent with late-war manufacture and field use—both panels have thinning, compression marks, and darkening from handling. There are no cracks or major losses. One grip panel remains tight, and the other remains serviceable and is not attached to the frame. The grip frame has the lanyard loop intact.

Type of Finish:
Blued

Finish Originality:
Original

Bore Condition:
The bore is semi-bright with worn rifling. There is light erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition:
This pistol retains roughly 40% of its original wartime finish. The metal surfaces show thinning, oxidation, and patina, particularly on the slide flats and front strap. There are scattered marks, scratches, and some pitting, most prominent on the right side of the frame and around the chamber area. The exposed components—including the sear bar and cocking piece—show late-war tool marks and rough machining, consistent with very late Type 94 production. The screw heads are serviceable with light tooling. The markings are legible, including serial number 69951 and Showa “20.4” date code. The pistol has all matching visible numbers.

Mechanics:
The action functions correctly. The slide cycles, and the trigger breaks cleanly. The magazine release and safety lever operate properly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
This pistol includes the following:

• Original Japanese Canvas Holster: Field-worn but complete with belt loops and flap closure. Minor fraying and staining throughout, but structurally sound.
  
   
• Two Original Magazines: Both magazines are unnumbered, standard blued finish, showing oxidation and wear consistent with the pistol.
  
   
• Two Japanese Brass Dog Tags: Both are oval with punched kanji inscriptions. These tags are rare wartime identification discs, likely for the original serviceman who carried this pistol. One has deeper stamping and appears slightly older; both have a rich patina and are undamaged.
  
   

Our Assessment:
This is a very late-war Nambu Type 94 semi-automatic pistol manufactured in April 1945, just four months before Japan’s surrender in WWII. The “20.4” production date marks it as one of the final batches produced under increasingly desperate wartime conditions, evidenced by the rough finish, simplified parts, and tool markings typical of final-phase Nagoya Arsenal work. These pistols were issued to officers and tank crews as compact sidearms and are known for their controversial exposed sear bar design.

What elevates this particular example above a basic wartime relic is the complete package it offers. The original canvas holster and pair of magazines make it a desirable find, but the inclusion of two Japanese brass dog tags makes this grouping historically compelling. These tags likely belonged to the serviceman who issued this sidearm and lend the pistol an aura of battlefield provenance that is rarely encountered.

For collectors of Japanese militaria, WWII sidearms, or anyone fascinated by late-war production variants, this is a standout piece. The Type 94 has grown significantly in collector interest over the years, and paired sets like this—especially with personal artifacts—are becoming increasingly scarce. A true relic of Imperial Japan’s final stand, and a talking piece for any advanced military pistol collection. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.