Japanese Nambu Type 14 Nagoya 8x22mm Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R 1942
SOLD FOR: $805
WOA#: WY240117SS001
Make: Nagoya Arsenal, Toriimatsu Factory (Japan)
Model: Nambu Type 14
Serial Number: 51542
Year of Manufacture: 1942, May
Caliber: 8x22mm Nambu
Action Type: Semi-automatic, 8 round detachable magazine
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked ‘Fire’ ‘Safe’ and ‘Type 14’ in Japanese. The right side of the frame is marked with the Nagoya Arsenal mark, the Toriimatsu Factory mark, “51542”, ‘Showa’ in Japanese, and “17.5”. The trigger, trigger guard, barrel, bolt, bolt knob, locking bar, magazine release, and firing pin extension are all marked “542”. The interior surfaces of the grip panels are stamped “1542”. There are numerous Japanese proof and acceptance marks throughout. The spine of one of the magazines is marked “600”. The other’s spine is marked “NAMBU 8mm” in white paint and “249”.
Barrel Length: 4.6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a raised u-notch that is integral to the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are serrated wood. There are light scuffs and scratches throughout. The magazine release hole on the left grip is more worn and there is a gouge above it. There are no cracks. The grips rate in about Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x 8 round magazines in Good Condition. One of the magazines has “NAMBU 8 mm” written on its spine in white paint.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is moderate erosion in the bore.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6.5 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout. There are areas of surface rust on the barrel and frame. The rear section of the barrel/chamber assembly has usage wear. The face of the bolt knob has usage wear. There are two deep scratches along the left side of the frame from the safety lever. The magazines have usage wear to their finish as well as some small spots of surface rust. The screw heads show moderate use. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear, though some of the smaller proof marks are worn. Overall, this handgun rates in about 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 requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This handgun comes in a blue Smith & Wesson hard case with 2x 8 round magazines.
Our Assessment: The Nambu Type 14 was the third variant of Nambu pistol to be developed. The name refers to the year in which production began, the 14th year of the Taisho era, which was 1925. The Type 14 was developed in the hope of reducing production costs. It would serve as the primary service pistol for officers through the Second World War and an estimated 400,000 were produced. The Type 14 fires the 8x22mm Nambu cartridge, which was relatively anemic compared to contemporary service handgun cartridges. This example was produced in May of 1942 by the Nagoya Arsenal at the Toriimatsu Factory. Aside from the magazines, all of the serialized parts are matching. The grips have a bit of wear to them, but there are not any cracks. The metal retains most of its finish, though there are areas of minor surface rust as well as usage wear. The bore is fairly bright, but there is a moderate amount of erosion scattered throughout. This is a nice example of a Japanese service pistol that would fit well into any Japanese or Second World War collection. Please see our photos.
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