This is an extremely rare example of a late WWII Japanese Sugiura Shiki, 7.65mm Model that was manufactured in late 1944/45, in mainland China. Both the 6.35 and the larger 7.65 were manufactured while under the occupation of the Japanese Forces. Although undocumented, it is theorized that they were actually manufactured at the Nippon Koshuba Juhogyo Kabushiki Kaisha in Beijing. At the end of the war, the Chinese Government reoccupied that factory, and today it is still manufacturing weapons for the Chinese Government only its known as the North China Company (aka NORINCO). These are extremely rare pistols with an estimated total production of approximately 1,000, and only 26 known, documented example in existence today. This specific pistol is one of the documented 26 examples, and it is listed by serial number (2059) on page 268-273 in the reference book "Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893-1945" by Derby/Brown. Obviously almost all of these pistols remained in China after the war, and the few other surviving examples were brought by returning GIs. These were a very similar copy of the Browning Model 1903 blow-back pistol only slightly larger in physical size. They fired the standard 7.65 mm Auto cartridge and are fitted with a standard fixed front and rear sight, bottom magazine release and checkered mahogany grips. The lower left side of the magazine is stamped with a small Kanji type proof followed by ".121". It is accompanied by an even rarer correct style leather holster as used with these pistols. The holster is ink marked inside the flap with "PFC J. LAMOTTE" over "AXON 3138714".

Fine with 60% plus of the original blue finish overall, thinning and browning on the grips straps and sides of the slide, and brighter blue finish in the protected areas on the sides of the frame and trigger. The markings are clear and sharp, and it has a correct matching slide. The holster is in good condition with a dark appearance overall, tight stitching on the sides, minor age cracking on the upper area of the flap and also on the hinge. The sides of the holster show considerable, more wear and soft leather. The very end/toe area has been crudely cut open, likely to act as a drain hole. A very rare example of a Sugiura Shiki, 7.65mm Model rig.