Make: Chuo Kogyo Co., Ltd., Kokubunji Factory

Model: Nambu Type 14

Serial#: 1750 First Series (after Original Series)

Year of Manufacture: November, 1941

Caliber: 8x22mm Nambu

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by a Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 4 1/2"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a boss at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a notch integral to the top-rear of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece serrated wood, each with 17 serrations. Kokubunji wrote serial numbers on the interior in pencil, but these markings have worn or been cleaned off. The grips have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a an arc of wear on the top of the left panel from the safety lever, common for this model. There are some tool marks around the magazine catch. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks Overall, the grip panels are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Strawed

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match on the pistol, the firing pin and striker-guide are not serial marked.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is even scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7+/10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas with some surface erosion in the backstrap. The left of the frame has an arc of wear from the safety lever (common for this model). There are a few light nicks and scratches. Each side of the frame has been stamped "5327", we do not now the significance of this marking. The controls show handling wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: The gun comes with a single non-matching 8-round magazine.

Our Assessment: The Japanese Type 14, known more commonly as the Nambu, was a semi-automatic pistol that was used by Japan’s military from 1925 until the end of WWII in 1945. The gun’s nickname comes from General Kijiro Nambu, a prolific weapon designer that created the handgun, while the designation "Type 14" comes from the year it was adopted, 1925 or Taisho 14. The gun would see extensive use over the ensuing decades. The Type 14 pistols carried by Japanese officers had to be privately purchased while the limited number of enlisted men who carried the handgun were issued them.

This particular specimen is a Nambu Type 14 which was made in November of 1941, as Japan was in the process of making its greatest mistake, ever. Imperial Japan was preoccupied with its ongoing invasion of China at the time and had also moved to annex French ruled Indochina which resulted in increased tensions with the United States. The US feared that the Japanese move would disrupt its importation of raw rubber from the region and responded by placing an oil embargo on the Japanese. By the end of the month this pistol was made, the increasingly hostile relationship between Washington and Tokyo would result in a fleet of Japanese warships departing the home islands for an attack on Pearl Harbor.

The gun on auction here was made at the Kokubunji Factory that was run by Chuo Kogyo Co. of which General Nambu himself had a stake. The guns made at Kokubunji in the period before Japan went to war with the US are some of the best made Type 14 pistols. The serialized parts are matching, though the included magazine is not, the bore is decent and the mechanics are strong. This is a solid option for historical firearms enthusiasts, especially collectors of WWII sidearms. Good luck on your bid!