Make: Toriimatsu Branch of Nagoya Arsenal, Japan

Model: Nambu Type 14

Serial Number: 58553, 2nd Series

Year of Manufacture: August, 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 "8553" and "LT". The grips show even handling wear with some light nicks and scratches. There is light wear around the magazine catch on each panel and the left panel has a more notable ding near the front edge toward the bottom. 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. The magazine disconnect is not marked.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and a little stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is light handling wear in the grip areas. There are a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The grip screws are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some are poorly struck, but legible. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good-plus 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 single serial-matching magazine.

Our Assessment: This is a Nambu Type 14 pistol made by the Toriimatsu branch of the Nagoya arsenal in August, 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 decidedly on the back foot in August, 1944. Their Indian offensive had failed, the Battle of the Philippine Sea nearly completely destroyed their naval air power, and all of the Marianas had been liberated, ready to turn into American naval bases and airstrips.

This pistol has most of its original finish and the serial numbers are mostly matching, including the grip panels, though the striker is non-matching. This is not uncommon as the strikers were fairly delicate and frequently replaced due to breakage. Perhaps most interesting to collectors is the included matching magazine, another piece frequently replaced. 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!