This extremely rare Sugiura Shiki pistol is one of many Japanese handguns that still defy complete and unchallengeable identification because of the geographic expanse and resulting devastation of the "Great East Asian War". The frame marking translated reads "Sugiura", a familiar Japanese family name. The pistols were designed and manufactured by the Japanese or under their supervision in Manchuria or China to augment weapons production for the China Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.). Some of these pistols were marked in Japanese, such as this pistol, and others were marked with a Chinese symbol. These pistols were manufactured in 1944 and 1945. Page 271 of the book "Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893-1945" by Derby and Brown list 26 known Japanese Kanji 7.65mm pistols by serial number. This pistol is not among them and would obviously make number 27. Page 270 of the same book names the whereabouts of the known pistols, and only 17 are known in private collections. These pistols are extremely rare, especially in the U.S., due primarily to limited foreign participation during the Chinese takeover of the area at the end of WWII. These early Japanese 7.65mm models were well made machined pistols indicating factory production, rather than home-workshop production. The action is straight blowback with a concealed hammer and high grade steel barrel. The "Browning" method of turning the barrel and removing the barrel bushing disassembles the pistol. The serial number is marked on the right side of the slide and frame. The pistol is finished in hot salt blue with a bright barrel and is fitted with two piece checkered walnut grips.

Very fine. The pistol retains 60% plus of the original blue finish with some thinning to a smooth brown on the frame and a smooth gray patina on the grip straps. There are overall scattered minor dings and scratches on the metal surfaces. The grips are fine with a minor pressure dent on the right panel, a few minor handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically needs work as the safety lever is loose and needs a retention spring which is absent. An extremely rare addition to any Japanese military or WWII collection.