WWII Japanese Nagoya Toriimatsu Type 14 8mm Nambu Semi-Auto Pistol 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1110
LSB#: 210608MW97
Make: Toriimatsu Branch of Nagoya Arsenal, Japan
Model: Nambu Type 14 2nd Series
Serial Number: 69707
Year of Manufacture: April, 1945
Caliber: 8mm Nambu
Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the frame has 4 Japanese characters (model designation). The right side of the frame has a Nagoya Arsenal upside down “8” in a circle, followed by the Japanese character for “ro”, the 2nd character in the Japanese alphabet, meaning 2nd series. This is followed by the serial number “69707”. Below these marks on the frame is the Japanese character for “Showa” followed by the date code “20.4” and another Japanese symbol, which was a final inspection mark. The inside surfaces of both grip panels are stamped “9707”. The top of the bolt in front of the cocking knob is marked “707” and the front face of the cocking knob is marked “707”. The right side of the trigger is marked “707” as is the top of the trigger guard. The bottom of the barrel assembly is marked “707”, found again on the front of the locking block and the magazine release. The firing pin is marked “707”. The bottom of the magazine’s spine is marked “707” and with Japanese characters.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a slightly raised base on the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove milled into a raised boss on the back of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece “slab” wood panels. The grips have a slightly rough finish. There are some scattered light nicks and handling marks with a few more notable dings at the bottom of the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas. There are some light nicks, scuffs and minor oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. There is an arc of light wear around the safety lever. The grip screws are tool marked with strong slots, the left grip screw is partially stripped and does not want to properly turn in the frame threads, sitting proud of the grip and allowing it a little play. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel assembly has minor play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single serial-matching magazine.
Our Assessment: This is a Nambu Type 14 pistol made by the Toriimatsu branch of the Nagoya arsenal in April, 1945 (2nd Series). The Type 14 was built between 1925 and 1945 for the armed forces, and almost all of the Japanese pistols and revolvers used unique cartridges. The 8mm Nambu is a bottleneck cartridge that pushes a 102 gr. bullet at a little over 900 fps. and has approximately the same power as a .380 ACP cartridge. This is a very nice find for the collector of WWII or Japanese weapons. It was produced quite late in the war, frequently referred to by collectors as a “last-ditch” model, showing the rougher finish seen on Japanese guns of the period as well as the “slab” style grips. The Japanese were very much on the back foot in April, 1945. Firebombing of Tokyo had commenced and there was even a bombing raid on Nagoya in March and Okinawa was invaded on the 1st of April. This pistol has its original finish and the serial numbers are matching, including the grip panels and magazine. The pistol is in Very Good condition with about 87% of its finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. Not that many Japanese pistols survived the war, and those that did were often in poor condition or have been refinished. This late-war example will be a great addition to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!