WWII Japanese Nagoya 2nd Series Type 14 8mm Nambu Semi-Auto Pistol 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,306.00
LSB#: WY240906JN017
Make: Nagoya Army Arsenal
Model: Second Series Type 14, “Nambu”
Serial#: 16533
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8x22mm Nambu
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by a Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the frame has safety and model designation markings. The right side of the slide is marked with a Nagoya Army Arsenal proof, a mark that indicates the gun was made as part of the second series (it features the Japanese character “Ro” inside an oval) and the serial number “16533”. The right side of the frame is marked with the character “Sho” (indicating the gun was made during the reign of Emperor Showa which lasted from December 1926- January 1989) and “19.2” (indicating the gun was made on the 19th year of Emperor Showa’s reign or 1944 in February) above a faded mark. The interior of each grip panel is marked “6533”. The bolt is marked “533” just ahead of the cocking knob. The trigger guard is marked “533”. The right side of the trigger is marked “533”. The locking bolt is marked “533”. The barrel assembly is marked “533”. The magazine latch is marked “533”. The cocking knob is marked “533”. The striker spring guide is marked “533”. The striker is not matched, marked “377”.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a dovetailed blade. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the rear of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece wood panels with horizontal serrations. The grips have some light nicks and scuffs. There is a little scattered discoloration. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with well defined rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion, mostly along the edges of the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is scattered minor surface oxidation. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas. The action shows light operational wear. The markings remain clear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes with a single serial-matching magazine and a brown leather clam-shell holster with cleaning rod and shoulder strap. A wood block has been inserted in the holster’s ammo pouch to retain shape.
Our Assessment: The Japanese Type 14, known more commonly as the Nambu, was a semi-automatic pistol that was used by Japan’s military from 1925 until the end of WWII in 1945. The gun’s nickname comes from General Kijiro Nambu, a prolific weapon designer that crafted the handgun. The Nambu’s designation “Type 14” comes from the year it was adopted, 1925 or Taisho 14 (it was completed during the 14th year of Emperor Taisho’s reign, ca. July 1912- December 1926). The gun would see extensive use over the ensuing decades. The Nambus carried by Japanese officers had to be privately purchased while the limited number of enlisted men who carried the handgun were issued them.
Emperor Taisho had a premature death in 1926 and his son Hirohito assumed the throne at the age of 25. He would preside over a period of Japanese history defined by militarism and nearly indefinite conflict. From the Mukden incident in 1931, where Japanese forces based in Korea annexed Manchuria from China, to the invasion of China in 1937, Japanese troops carried the Nambu into battle and rhe gun would see continued service throughout WWII.
This particular specimen is a Nambu Type 14 which was made in February of 1944. By this period the Japanese war effort was going poorly, weapons production was impacted by both supply shortages and the perpetual American aerial bombardment of Japan. This handgun was still well constructed and remains nicely preserved. As is fairly common, the striker has been replaced, but other serial marked parts are matching, including the magazine. This is a great option for historical firearms collectors and for collectors of Japanese handguns. Good luck on your bid!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
