WWII Nagoya 2nd Series Type 14 8x22mm Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,245.00
WOA#: WY240601RN013
Make: Nagoya Army Arsenal
Model: Nambu Type 14, Second Series
Serial#: 71016
Year of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: 8x22mm Nambu
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by a Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left of the frame has Japanese characters for “Safe”, “Fire” and “14 year type”, the right side of the frame is marked with a Nagoya Army Arsenal proof, a mark that indicates the gun was made as part of the second series, the serial number “71016” and “20.5” Showa date code marking (May, 1945). The bolt, firing pin, barrel lug, locking block, trigger, magazine catch, trigger guard and cocking knob are each marked “016”. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “1016”. The magazine spine is marked “016” and with a Japanese character at the bottom.
Barrel Length: 117mm (4.61”)
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 grip panels are two-piece smooth wood. They have some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip panels 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 in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 50% of its metal finish. There is fairly evenly scattered finish wear, most is handling wear in the grip areas or wear on the sides consistent with holster-wear. There is scattered minor surface oxidation with more notable oxidation under the grips. There are some minor nicks and scratches. The surfaces show rough finish consistent with late-war production. The action shows minor operational wear. The markings remain mostly clear, some are poorly struck. The screwheads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, the pistol is in Good-plus 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: Included is a rubberized-canvas clamshell holster, a single matching magazine, and a cleaning rod.
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. Hirohito 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 the gun would see continued service throughout WWII.
This particular specimen is a Nambu Type 14 which was made in May of 1945. By this period of WWII the Imperial Japan was fully on the defensive with troops desperately fighting to prevent Allied forces from invading Mainland Japan. Germany would surrender in early May, leaving Japan as the remaining belligerent, receiving all of America’s combat efforts. The Japanese Navy had been nearly completely destroyed, with remaining elements nearly all found in the Japanese home fleet, stationed in the home islands. Despite relentless bombing, the Japanese attempted to continue producing arms, but material shortages proved an increasing impediment. Allied naval and air supremacy made it nearly impossible to get required resources from Japanese controlled territory back to the Mainland. Subsequently, production standards dropped and shortcuts were taken to provide needed weaponry to the military. It was in this context that this pistol was fabricated. It lacks the thorough inspection and factory marks seen on most early-mid production Type 14 pistols, and the finish is far more crude, and the grips are not serrated. The gun is serial matched and even comes with a matching magazine. It shows wear consistent with its age and holster use, but is in pretty good shape given the circumstances of its production and subsequent history. This is a great option for historical firearms enthusiasts. Good luck on your bid!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
