Make: Chuo Kogyo Co. At Kokubunji Operating Under the Supervision of the Nagoya Arsenal.
Model: Type 94 Nambu
Serial Number: 2892
Year of Manufacture: September, 1937
Caliber: 8mm Nambu
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 3 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short post style blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top rear of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black bakelite panels. The grips show light handling wear with even light scuffing. There are a few nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Some remaining finish may be Original, most surfaces show treatment with cold blue. Numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 3% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is on the sear bar. Most surfaces have a mottled gray appearance, showing treatment with cold blue in the distant past. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation and infrequent minor erosion. There are a few light nicks and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: The pistol comes with a single matching 6-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The Type 94 Nambu is an odd-looking pistol but was popular with the Japanese troops because it was smaller and lighter than the Type 14. It was issued to tankers, pilots and others who had to work in cramped quarters. It was originally designed as a military sidearm, and never intended for civilian sales. Like other Nambu pistols, it is chambered for 8mm Nambu. This pistol was made by the Chuo Kogyo company under the supervision of the Nagoya Arsenal in November, 1937. This pistol is in Good condition with little of its original finish remaining, but still with serial-matching parts including its magazine.
When this pistol was produced, Japan was several years into their occupation of Manchuria, the Second Sino-Japanese War had started, the Battle of Shanghai was ongoing, and just a few months later Japan would capture the city of Nanking, a prelude for Japanese actions in the Pacific during WWII. This pistol should be a big hit with the collectors of Japanese weaponry and of military weapons used in WWII. Please see our photos and good luck!
