Manufactured 1909-1928 and patterned after the "Papa Nambu" pistol, the Baby Nambu was the semi-official officer's pistol of the Imperial Japanese Military; the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy did not issue weapons to officers, who were given broad guidelines on what was acceptable and then told to acquire their own sidearms, typically through the officer's union system. European and American semi-automatics were commonly acquired, with John Browning's pocket pistol designs in particular having the right balance of size and firepower. The Baby was developed to compete with these imports in size, firepower and style, showing quality fit and finish. Fixed sights, with the "cannonball" logo on top of the chamber, the 3-symbol Nambu nomenclature and serial number on the right side of the frame, checkered hardwood grips, and straw finished small parts. Matching numbers are present on multiple components, including the "." marked nickel finished magazine. Included with the pistol is a brown leather "clamshell" holster in conventional Japanese style, constructed from a mix of pigskin and cowhide, with faint Japanese markings inside the flap and a reproduction leather shoulder strap.

Excellent, with 95% plus original blue finish, showing some light spotting, scratches and handling marks. Bright straw color is present on the small parts, and the excellent grips show a few light dings on the sharp checkering. The holster is very good, showing a few small areas of lost/torn trim, scuffs and cracks. Mechanically excellent.