This is an excellent pre-WWII Japanese "Baby Nambu" pistol. This pistol was manufactured at the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal in Koishikawa Tokyo between 1903 and 1928. There were approximately 6,000 produced, with this pistol being mid-way in the production cycle. These pistols were designated as a Type "B" to differentiate it from the larger Grandpa Nambu series, and although never officially adopted by the military they were recognized as an authorized firearm intended strictly for private purchase by high ranking officers in either the Army or Navy. The chamber bears the four intertwined cannon balls of the Tokyo Arsenal and the right side of the receiver is marked with Japanese characters that identify the model above the serial number "5774". It has a high quality rust blue finish and straw colored, trigger, magazine release, sear pivot pin and bolt lock with the bolt being finished bright. The matching magazine has a nickel-plated body and aluminum base. The grips are finely checkered hardwood or mahogany.

Excellent with 95% plus of the original blue finish overall with some minor edge and high spot wear with a small area of oxidation/pin-prick pitting just starting on the recoil spring housing and the underside of the barrel, with some thinning of the blue on the back strap. The grips are very good with nice sharp distinct checkering, and only one minor handling mark on the lower right side. The various small parts retain 40% of their straw color. This is a nice all original and all matching pre-war baby Nambu pistol.