This is a desirable example of a 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 "4494". It has matching serial numbers on the breech bolt, cocking piece, grips, firing pin and magazine as noted. 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.

Very fine with 85% of the blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with some minor rust spotting just starting to appear on the recoil spring housing and front of the trigger guard. The grips are in very good condition with nice distinct checking on both sides with the right side having a minor crack starting in the lower middle area which has been glued on the back side of the grip. A very nice representative example of a Japanese Baby Nambu pistol.