Early Japanese Tokyo Arsenal Type 14 Semi-Auto Nambu Pistol (Original)
SKU: EARLY JAPANESE TYPE 14 NAMBU CAL 8MM PISTOL
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Tokyo Arsenal
Date Manufactured: 1930
Model: Nambu Type 14
Serial Number: 13429
Caliber: 8mm Nambu
Action Type: Semi-automatic
Barrel Length: 4-1/2 inches
Bore: 9.5/10
Condition: Near Mint
Magazine: 8mm Nambu
Price: $2000.00
Seller Type: Classification: C&R / FFL
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: PAA 1050
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This Early Tokyo Arsenal Type 14 Semi-Auto Nambu Pistol, Cal. 8mm Nambu. S# 13429. Bbl. 4 5/8". Blade front sight. Fixed rear sight. Right rear of frame has "5.6" Showa date denoting June 1930 Manufatured. Matching numbers on safety, bolt, trigger & left grip panel. Firing pin & firing pin extension are unnumbered. Blued finish with strawed small parts. Grooved Asian hardwood grips with right panel numbered "937". MAGS: 1-8 rd. brightly finished & numbered "937". UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: aftermarket hardcase with rope lanyard. CONDITION: grips show some light dings & handling marks. Metal retains 80% original blue with scattered oxidation mostly on the grip straps & edge wear. Action functions properly when hand cycled. Very good bore with strong rifling.
History
The Type 14 Nambu pistol is a significant piece of Japanese military history, as it was the only Nambu pistol to be officially used and adopted by the Japanese military. Its manufacturing began in 1925 at the Kokura Arsenal, and later expanded to Nagoya Arsenal due to larger orders for the gun. One of the primary reasons for its adoption was the cost factor, as it was produced at a lower cost by using slightly lowered quality materials and simplified manufacturing practices. Nevertheless, the resulting gun was still an effective semi-automatic pistol that was widely used in the Second Sino Japanese War in the 1930s. The Type 14 Nambu pistol underwent design changes during World War II when certain raw materials were running at a shortage. The early production models featured a slotted cocking knob, while the later models had a knurled cocking knob. Additionally, World War II production models lacked the grip safety, which was a trademark feature of all other Nambu pistols. The overall shape and look of the Type 14 Nambu pistol was similar to the Type A design, and it used an 8mm cartridge. Despite the changes in design and materials, the Type 14 was still a formidable weapon that was produced until the end of World War II, with over 200,000 units manufactured. However, the exact number of units produced remains unclear, with estimates ranging from 70,000 to almost half a million, as many records and guns were lost during the war. In summary, the Type 14 Nambu pistol is a symbol of Japanese military innovation and resourcefulness during times of war. Its simple yet effective design allowed for mass production at a low cost, which was essential during times of material shortages. Despite its flaws and design changes, the Type 14 Nambu pistol served the Japanese military faithfully during its time in service.
