Make: Chuo Kogyo Co. At Kokubunji Operating Under the Supervision of the Nagoya Arsenal.
Model: Type 94 Nambu
Serial Number: 70410
Year of Manufacture: May, 1945
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 smooth wood panels. The grips have even handling wear with scattered nicks and small scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original. Numbered parts match, the grips, firing pin and firing pin block are not serial-marked.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly with well defined rifling. There is scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 8/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. The grip areas show light handling wear. There are some scattered small nicks and scratches, most blending well with the rough machining. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very 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 6-round matching 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 February, 1945. The pistol comes with something we don't see very often, a magazine serialized to the pistol. This pistol is in Very Good condition with its overall appearance consistent with the time this pistol was manufactured.
By May in 1945, the Japanese were stubbornly resisting as their position became more and more hopeless. Their forces were being pushed out of Okinawa and the Philippines. Japanese industry was crumbling under ever-increasing aerial bombardment. The Yamato had been sunk, ending any hope of Japanese offensive maneuvers at sea. The rough machining and polishing is a result of Japan's efforts to cut corners, speed production, and do everything possible to continue the fight despite the outcome being all but certain, and not in their favor. 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!
