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, nickel finished magazine numbered "1491/.", and straw finished small parts.

Fine, with 75% of the original blue finish, showing bright edge wear, mild spotting concentrated on the frame, shallow pitting on the back strap and the left side of the frame, and scattered handling marks. Traces of bright straw color remain on the small parts. The grips are very good, with some mild dings and chips. Mechanically excellent.