This is an exceptionally scarce Prewar 1904 model Large Nambu pistol commonly called a Papa Nambu version. These were a continuation of the earlier Grandpa versions of the Nambu pistols usually without any provisions for a shoulder stock. Only approximately 7100 total were produced before production changed to the later standard type 14 model. This pistol was produced under the Army contract and is so marked with the Kanji characters, on the left side of the frame. The top of the receiver has the four intertwined cannon balls and the right side of the frame has the three Kanji character both signifying the Koishikawa Arsenal over serial number 3430. These pistols are equipped with adjustable tangent rear sight on top calibrated from 100- 500 meters and a fixed inverted "v" front sight, and the grip safety on the front of the grip strap. The grips are the original checkered hardwood versions, one is numbered 3430 and the other one is numbered 3424 on the inside. It is complete with a correct nickel plated papa magazine, numbered 3491 on the bottom. The holster is an early all leather Type 14 version that has a couple of faint Kanji characters inside the flap with the leather pouch on the front intended with a Large Gold Army Helmet star on the front with some remnants of a Japanese ammunition box. It has an original cleaning rod and leather shoulder straps.

Fine overall with approximately 75% of the faded original blue finish with thinning and light wear on the edges and high spots, underside of the barrel and recoil spring guide tube on the left side of the upper receiver, The front and rear grip strap has completely dulled out and turned a dark brown patina color and there are several small area of light pitting on the back grip strap, the right side of the upper receiver/slide area and the underside of the barrel and the front edge of the recoil spring housing. The grips are in very good condition with no cracks or damage with light wear overall and both have the same dark brown finish indicating they have been on the pistol for some time. The holster is in excellent condition with a nice dark brown color with tight stitching, with some minor scuffing and rubbing marks in some places with most of the wear along the edge of the flap. The Gold Army star on the front of the ammunition pouch has a lot of verdegris around it indicating that it has been on there for some time.