In 98% very crisp condition, and the nicest documented example that I have seen in a long long time, this is completely matching to include one factory original numbered magazine. We have a top example of the legendary and highly sought after Small Type Nambu Pistol, commonly called the “Baby Nambu”. This Pistol is fully rigged out with the holster and shoulder strap, and the cleaning rod, one matching and an extra magazine. Certainly the most well known and most desirable of the Japanese Military pistols of the era, this pistol was only produced in very small numbers and was exclusively carried by officers. Less than 6,500 were ever even made and few survived the carnage of the Pacific war. When you add that in with a very harsh tropical climate and almost 80 years of wear and tear you will understand how these pistols are held in absolute awe when they are found this nice. Easily in the “big 5” of the most sought after military pistols of the 20th century the mystique of this pistol is as substantial as the rarity. To find one this complete is a remarkable occurrence.
The best part of this pistol is that it is incredibly still with the original surrender tag! This well worn tag indicates that the pistol belonged to Japanese Army Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Noborochi Otuka, who surrendered in North Luzon. This is one of the rare instances where the name and rank of the Japanese owner has survived. This all matching pistol has a mint bore and is was manufactured by Tokyo Arsenal very close to the end of their production run in 1927. This would have to be right at the top of the line for a high status Japanese Military handgun.
