This is a desirable example of a rare early Japanese transitional Grandpa Nambu rig complete with all matching pistol, magazine, and shoulder stock/holster. This specific rare example of the 1902 Grandpa Nambu pistol is fully described in detail on pages 37-46 of the excellent work "The Hand Cannons of Imperial Japan" by Derby and is properly noted as having a Thai Charka property mark on the back strap. It is theorized that these pistol were part of an early Thai contract that was filled with already produced, arsenal stored or manufactured pistols and stock sets. After the fall of Japan, these captured weapons were given to the Thai Government. The top of the receiver has the standard four intertwined cannon balls of the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal, and the three small Kanji acceptance proofs are on the right side of the slide above the serial number, "1595." This may account for the higher serial number ranges of these contract pistols and the overall condition of this complete rig. The stock on this example appears to be of the later version that has been serial numbered in two places: 1) on the top of the collar around the telescoping metal extension and 2) on the rear edge of the shoulder strap plate. Unlike the Mauser design, these Japanese stocks have a short, all-metal telescoping extension that allows the overall stock to be more compact when stored and can be fully extended to the correct length to function like a short rifle. These early Grandpa Nambus have the early desirable features such as the very small trigger guard, small trigger with the rounded edges, a domed shaped cocking knob and a walnut base on the magazine. They were also fitted with a tangent type rear sight graduated from 1-5 (100-500 meters). They also have a small lanyard loop attached to the rear of the frame. It is estimated that approximately 2,400 Grandpa Nambu pistols were manufactured. Only 75 are accounted for in the noted reference book, and this is one of only two noted with a matching shoulder stock. This certainly makes this an extremely rare example of a Grandpa Nambu. These pistols were produced with a rust blued finish on the major components and straw colored small parts such as the extractor, trigger, bolt lock, magazine catch assembly, sear bar and pin, and recoil spring guide. The grip panels and base on the magazine were made of walnut. The shoulder stock is made of cherry wood. The pistol has matching numbers on the underside of the breech bolt (in two locations) the cocking knob, firing pin, bolt lock and striker spring guide and magazine, and the grips are not numbered. As noted, it comes with its original telescoping shoulder stock/holster.

Fine with 85% plus of an arsenal refurbished blue finish, minor edge and high spot wear overall, and thinning on the sides of the slide and grip straps. The grips are also in fine condition with a nice dark color overall and distinct, possibly arsenal recut, checkering on both sides with minimal handling marks. The nitre blue on the tangent sight and grip screws is refinished. The matching numbered wood stock/holster is in very good condition with a nice color on both sides showing 95% of the arsenal refurbished blue finish overall with blue loss/wear on the telescoping area of the stock. The wooden portion has light scratches and pressure dents on the underside and a small crack in the stock at the lid release, push button.