1365 RARE TGE & TOKYO ARTILLERY ARSENAL MARKED JAPANESE

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 08 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 750.00 USD
Estimated at 1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
MODEL 1902 "PAPA" NAMBU SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH HOLSTER, MENTIONED IN "JAPANESE MILITARY CARTRIDGE HANDGUNS", BY DERBY & BROWN. Cal. 8mm Nambu. S# 8541. Bbl. 4 3/4". Model 1902 Modified "Papa" Nambu semi-automatic pistol mfg. by TGE (Tokyo Gas & Electric) and the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal. After the adoption of the Type 14 Nambu in 1925, the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal transferred all existing parts, tooling, and dies to TGE, as TGE became responsible for the Imperial Japanese army's "Papa" Nambu production. Subsequent to the Type 14 Nambu's adoption, demand for the "Papa" decreased significantly, with approx. 500 pistols assembled by TGE from Tokyo Arsenal parts before production was terminated. These approx. 500 pistols, are unique in TGE production, as they were made utilizing Tokyo Arsenal frames, and as such are dual marked with both mfg.'s insignias. This example is mentioned by S# on pg. 50 of "Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1983-1945", by Harry L. Derby III & James D. Brown, which states "The bulk of Tokyo symbol markings, however, show up during the 8,000 serial series (serial nos. 8017-8541).The frame exhibits standard Kanji characters on the left and right sides, with the TGE insignia marked over the top of the chamber, and the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal marked on the right, preceding the S#. Major metal components exhibit a mixture of what appears to be both original and reapplied blue finishes. Trigger exhibits a reheated straw finish. Bolt, firing pin, and locking block are polished in-the-white. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips, with the right panel retaining traces of its original Kanji characters that were applied in white paint. Dovetailed blade front sight, with tangent V-notch rear sight, graduated 1-5. All serialized parts are matching and include the frame, trigger guard assembly, mag. release button, mainspring guide rod, bbl. / bbl. extension, ejector, locking block, bolt, firing pin, cocking knob, firing pin spring guide, as well as the grips. MAGS: 1 unnumbered 8-rd. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: corrected unmarked brown leather clamshell holster, with ammunition pouch on front of body, beneath the closure flap, brown leather shoulder strap, as well as what appears to be a reproduction lanyard. CONDITION: very good, with metal components retaining the majority of their original and reapplied blue finishes, exhibiting areas of mild wear and thinning, scattered superficial handling marks, areas of light surface oxidation, as well as areas of light to mild pitting, both above and beneath the finish. Bore exhibits consistent dark mild pitting, while retaining fair to good rifling throughout. Grips are good, showing smoothing, some scattered superficial marks from handling and storage, as well as a few chips along the edges. Holster and shoulder strap remain malleable, with the holster exhibiting some wear, some superficial marks from handling and storage, as well as some areas of minor age related cracking and crazing overall. A rare dual mfg. marked Model 2 Modified "Papa" Nambu pistol. (24-6908/MLW). CURIO. $1,500-2,500.