This is an exceptional example of a Japanese "Baby Nambu" pistol manufactured by the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal in Koishikawa Tokyo. These pistols were never officially adopted by the Japanese military but were intended as private purchase sidearm for high raking officers of the Army and Navy. Only approximately 5,900 total pistols were manufactured. The top of the chamber area bears the four intertwined cannon balls of the Tokyo arsenal and the right side of the receiver has the Japanese Kanji markings over the serial number "4821". It has matching serial numbers on the underside of the bolt, the back of the cocking knob and magazine and the grips numbered "482" and "821". The right grip is marked in red letters with several kanji markings. These pistol had a high quality rust blue finish on the main parts of the pistol and straw colored finish on the small parts such as the trigger, magazine release, extractor and firing pin end cap and the bolt has a bright, in the white finish. As noted, this pistol is complete with one nickel plated magazine with aluminum base. The grips are finely checkered hardwood. The Baby Nambu is perhaps one of the most desirable Japanese semi-automatic pistols and have always been highly prized in any Japanese military collection.

Excellent with 97% of the original blue finish overall with some very minor edge and high spot wear with some browning/oxidation on the grip straps. The grips are also in excellent condition with nice distinct checking on both sides and only minor handling marks overall. Mechanically excellent. A very nice early Japanese issue Baby Nambu pistol.