This is a scarce Pre-war 1902 Naval model Large Nambu pistol, referred to as Papa Nambu. These were a continuation of the earlier Grandpa versions of the Nambu pistols without any provisions for a shoulder stock. This pistol was produced under a Navy contract by the TG&E (Tokyo Gas and Electric) Company with approximately 5000 of these pistols being produced before production changed to the later standard Type 14 model. The right side of the upper receiver it has second type of Naval Anchor markings next to the Kanji characters/inspector markings, over the serial number. The right side of the upper frame also has the two small inspector Kanji markings. The top of the chamber area has the circled "GTE" markings. These pistols have the solid back strap (not cut for a shoulder stock) and are equipped with adjustable tangent rear sight on top calibrated from 100-500 meters and a fixed inverted "v" front sight, and the grip safety on the front of the grip strap. The grips are the original checkered hardwood versions, both are correctly numbered to the pistol and both sides has two large white Kanji Letter markings on the face of each grip panel. It is complete with a correct nickel plated papa magazine, numbered 6701 on the spine. It is complete with a type 14 Nambu leather holster that has a cleaning rod inside.

Fine with 60% of the faded original finish overall which has turned brown in many areas to almost black from exposure to salt sea air. The pistol was obviously issued and used by the Japanese Navy, there are several areas of pitting on the front and back grip strap, with some light areas on the recoil spring housing, the underside of the barrel, again obviously from being exposed to salt air while sitting in a holster. The holster is in very good condition with a nice even look on the body of the holster and the flap with the stitching coming undone on the flap. A nice representative example of a very scarce Japanese Navy Marked Papa Nambu pistol.