Make: Toriimatsu Branch of Nagoya Arsenal, Japan

Model: Nambu Type 14

Serial Number: 38701, 2nd Series

Year of Manufacture: May, 1944

Caliber: 8mm Nambu

Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 4 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a slightly raised base on the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove milled into a raised boss on the back of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece wood with 24 horizontal serrations, the inside of each panel is stamped "8701". The grips show even handling wear with scattered light nicks and scratches. There is some wear around the magazine catch on each panel. There are no chips cracks. The serrations are well defined. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. Most parts are matching, the striker is non-matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some light erosion and patches of light pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6-7/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The grip screws are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some are poorly struck, but legible. Overall, this handgun rates 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: This pistol comes with a clamshell leather holster, a single serial-matching magazine, cleaning rod, spare striker, and a plastic-sealed original box of 16-rounds of 8mm Nambu ammunition. We have elected to leave the box sealed and have not opened it to examine the contents.

Our Assessment: This is a Nambu Type 14 pistol made by the Toriimatsu branch of the Nagoya arsenal in May, 1944. The Type 14 was built between 1925 and 1945 for the armed forces. This is a very nice find for the collector of WWII or Japanese weapons. It was produced fairly late in the war, showing the rougher finish seen on Japanese guns of the period.

The Japanese were on the back foot in May, 1944. They were losing ground in New Guinea and Burma, and their Indian offensive would fail by the end of the month. In June the Battle of the Philippine Sea would drastically curtail Japan’s naval air power.

This pistol has most of its original finish and the serial numbers are mostly matching, including the grip panels, though the striker and magazine catch are non-matching, the magazine disconnect is not marked. As can be found on these late war pistols, the frame is marked "X" under the left grip panel, indicating a previously rejected part that was designated suitable for use later. Perhaps most interesting to collectors are the included accessories, a matching magazine, clamshell holster, cleaning rod, spare striker and, best of all, an original box of ammunition. Not that many Japanese pistols survived the war, and those that did were often in poor condition or have been refinished, so this will make a great addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!