1422 EXCEEDINGLY SCARCE FIRST VARIATION NORTH CHINA

CURRENT BID
6,000.00USDby x*************d (50070)
ENTER YOUR MAXIMUM ABSENTEE BID[?]
You must bid at least
6,500.00USD
USD
6,500.00 x 1 unit = 6,500.00USDApplicable fees & taxes are added at checkout.
[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 Oct 30 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 6,000.00 USD
Estimated at 12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
INDUSTRIES TYPE 19 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL. Cal. 8mm Nambu. S# 20. Bbl. 4 3/4". Produced circa. 1943-1945, the Type 19 pistol at first glance appears almost identical the Type 14 Nambu. Further inspection shows a significant departure in terms of the disassembly, with the trigger guard now being a fixed portion of the frame, and takedown being achieved via a takedown lever on the right side. Two variations were produced and a total of only 18 examples are known (11 1st Variation, 7 2nd Variation) and are listed by S# on page 264 of "Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893-1945" by Harry L. Derby & James D. Brown, this example not being one of the previously mentioned 18. The left side of the frame is marked with Kanji characters denoting "North China Type 19" above a concentric circle arsenal insignia. Unusually, this example is not marked with the S#, following the arsenal insignia and is marked on the interior of the frame. Metal components exhibit a likely period reapplied nickel plated finish overall, as was customary for many USGI's when returning home with war trophies. Frame is mounted with 2-piece (possibly replacement) grooved wood grips. Dovetailed blade front sight on tapered bbl., with integral V-notch rear sight on frame. All serialized parts are matching and include the frame (interior), bbl./bbl. extension, locking block, bolt, firing pin, firing pin extension, as well as the cocking knob. Grips are unnumbered and unproofed. MAGS: 1 non-matching (S# "07") 8-rd. mag. CONDITION: metal components retain large amounts of their nickel plated finish, showing scattered spots of flaking that show through to dark oxidation overall. Grip straps (particularly the rear strap) exhibit moderate wear and finish loss, with the rear strap exhibiting consistent mild to moderate surface oxidation. Frame exhibits patches of moderate pitting beneath the grip straps. Mirror bore, exhibiting a small spot of pitting, while retaining well defined rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics, save for the safety lever, which falls from the safe position when the trigger is pulled, and needs to be tightened. Grips show some scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise remain sturdy and serviceable. An exceedingly scarce and undocumented example of a North China Industries Type 19 pistol. (25-3515/MLW). CURIO. $12,000-18,000