This is a scarce example of a Grandpa Nambu pistol that is complete with matching magazine. The Type 1902 pistol, termed the Grandpa Nambu, was the first successful Japanese designed self-loading pistol. Approximately 2,400 Type 1902 Nambu Pistols were manufactured in total by the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal at Koishikawa, Tokyo between 1903 and 1906. Produced in very limited numbers, the Type 1902 Nambu is a rare and desirable pistol and it has been estimated by authors Harry Derby and James Brown (Japanese Military Handguns 1899-1945) that based on their survey, fewer than 150 Grandpa Nambu pistols exist in U.S. collections today. The distinctive features of this model are the very small trigger guard and the rear grip strap that is slotted for a shoulder stock, with the top of the receiver fitted with the distinctive long-range tangent rear sight graduated to 500 meters. The top of the chamber area is stamped with the four-intertwined cannon ball symbol of the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal at Koishikawa, and the right side of the receiver is marked with Kana characters signifying "Nambu Type" above the serial number "2209". The pistol has finely checkered walnut grip panels. As noted this example comes with a matching, nickel-plated magazine, with the wooden base with checkered sides. The back side or spine of the magazine is correctly stamped with serial number "2209".

Fair overall with all the blued metal surfaces having turned a medium brown patina color. There are areas of light pitting on the sides of the upper receiver and underside of the barrel with heavier pitting under the grip panels, however the markings are clear and distinct and it has not been refinished or altered. The grips are in poor condition showing extensive wear across the tops of the checkering. The magazine is functional however the crudely recheckered wooden base has cracked and been reglued at some point. The scarce pistol has all matching numbers on the various parts to include both grips and the magazine. A solid representative example of a scarce Grandpa Nambu pistol.