WW2 Japanese 1943 Army Type 94 Nambu Caliber 8mm Pistol Holster Rig with 2 Magazines (Original)
SKU: JAPANESE TYPE 94 NAMBU CAL 8MM PISTOL W HOLSTER
Original/Reproduction: Original (Matching)
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Chuo Kogyo/Nambu Factory
Date Manufactured: 1943
Model: Nambu Type 94
Serial Number: 36011
Caliber: 8mm Nambu/ 8x22 mm
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Recoil-Operated
Overall Length: 7.4 inches (187mm)
Barrel Length: 3.78 inches (96mm)
Bore Condition: 9/10
Weight: Approx. 765 grams (1.7 lbs)
Overall Condition: 97%/Excellent
Magazine: 6-round Detachable Box Magazine
Holster: Original Brown Leather Hard-Shell
Holster Condition: Excellent
Price: $1850.00
Seller Type: Classification: C&R / FFL
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: 1200 MA
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This Original Imperial Japanese Type 94 Nambu Pistol with Holster manufactured in April 1943 at the Chuo Kogyo/Nambu factory, under Nagoya supervision. No import marks found. Matching serials on the frame, trigger and firing pin. Original sights, blued finish and checkered black plastic grips. Includes 2 original blued steel magazines and leather holster. CONDITION: Metal retains 90% of its late war finish. Grips have light scratches and handling marks. Bore is clean overall, with very good rifling. Mechanically fine. Magazine has light wear. Holster is excellent.
History
The Type 94 Nambu pistol is one of the most distinctive and controversial military sidearms used by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Developed in the early 1930s by Kijir? Nambu, the Type 94 was adopted in 1934 (2594 in the Japanese imperial year calendar), which is how it received its name.
Manufacturer: Chuo Kogyo (Nambu Factory)
By 1943, the Type 94 was being mass-produced by Chuo Kogyo, also known as the Nambu factory, located in Tokyo. This factory was one of the key contributors to Japan’s war effort and was responsible for manufacturing a range of small arms for the military.
Key Features of the 1943 Type 94:
- Caliber: 8mm Nambu (8x22mm)
- Magazine: 6-round detachable box magazine
- Action: Semi-automatic, recoil-operated
- Weight: Approx. 765 grams (1.7 lbs)
- Barrel Length: 3.78 inches (96mm)
- Overall Length: 7.4 inches (187mm)
Notable Characteristics:
- External Trigger Bar: One of the most infamous aspects of the Type 94 is its exposed sear bar, located on the left side of the frame. When the pistol is cocked, this bar can theoretically discharge the weapon if pressed – even without pulling the trigger. While this was more of a theoretical danger than a practical issue in combat, it earned the pistol a poor reputation among collectors and historians.
- Simplified Wartime Production: By 1943, manufacturing quality had significantly declined due to resource shortages and the pressures of war. Pistols from this year often show signs of rough machining, crude finish, and simplified parts compared to earlier examples.
- Military Acceptance Marks: 1943 Type 94s typically bear the "Chuo Kogyo" factory symbol (a small, stylized “N” within a circle) and the Nagoya Arsenal acceptance mark, indicating government inspection and approval for military use.
- Serial Numbers & Date Codes: Pistols from 1943 usually feature serial numbers in the 30,000–60,000 range. The production date is marked in the imperial dating system, often as “18.6” or “18.7,” representing Showa 18 (1943)and the month of manufacture.
Usage in WWII
The Type 94 was primarily issued to tank crews, pilots, and officers. Its compact size made it ideal for use in confined spaces. However, its poor reputation, combined with its questionable safety features and weak cartridge, made it one of the least favored sidearms of the war.
