Manufactured by the Tokyo Arsenal from 1909 to 1928, the Baby Nambu was the semi-official officer's pistol of the Imperial Japanese Military. During that time period, Japanese officers were expected to acquire their own sidearms, typically through the Officers Union system. Imported European and American pocket pistols, particularly Browning designs, were very popular, and the Baby Nambu was intended to provide a home-grown alternative. The resulting pistol combined the size and finish of the foreign offerings with the distinctive Nambu profile and was carried into the field during World War II by many Japanese officers. Fixed sights, with the "stacked cannonball" arsenal marking on top of the chamber and the nomenclature markings and serial number on the right side of the frame. Matching numbers on breechbolt, receiver extension, and back of grips. Unserialized striker assembly. Straw finish on the trigger and sear bar, with finely checkered grips and a replacement nickel finished magazine number 5196.

Fine, with 70% of the slightly faded original blue finish, showing areas of spotting and brown patina, some scuffing of the right side of the muzzle, and mild edge wear and handling marks. The grips are very fine, with crisp checkering and some scattered light dings. Mechanically excellent.