This is an example of a mid-production "Baby Nambu" pistol rig. They were developed and produced in the 1909-1925 time frame and designated as a "Nambu type B" to differentiate it from the earlier/larger Nambu pistols. Only about 6,500 examples of these "Baby" Nambu pistol were manufactured before production ceased in 1927. This example was manufactured at the Tokyo Arsenal in Koishigawa and it has a high quality rust blue finish and straw colored trigger, magazine release, sear pivot pin and bolt lock, with the bright polished bolt. The chamber bears the Tokyo Arsenal markings of the four intertwined cannon balls, and the right side of the receiver is marked with Japanese characters that identify the model above the serial number "5111". It has matching serial numbers on the underside of the bolt, the back side of the left grip, firing pin and on the spine of each magazine. The two magazines have a nickel-plated body and aluminum base, both correctly numbered "5111". The grips are finely checkered mahogany. This pistol is accompanied with an excellent example of the standard soft flap correct Baby Nambu holster with the ammunition pouch on the front and several Kanji Inspector markings and a desirable Tokyo Arsenal proof, on the inside of the flap. Primarily intended for private purchase by high ranking officers they were never officially adopted by the military but were an "authorized" firearm for personal use. The "Baby" Nambu is one of the most desirable Japanese semi-automatic pistols.

Very fine as partially refinished (straw parts) with balance of pistol retaining 80% plus of the slightly faded original blue finish overall with only edge and high spot wear overall with some minor oxidation/browning starting to develop on the sides of the slide. The small parts are restrawed. The grips are in excellent condition with nice distinct checkering on both sides. The holster is in fine condition with a nice even matching brown color overall and tight stitching. The front and back of the holster shows light wear and age creasing on the leather. A very fine Baby Nambu pistol rig with seldom found two matching magazines!.