Japanese Nambu Type 14 — World War II Military Pistol

This Japanese Nambu Type 14 is an 8mm semi-automatic military pistol representing one of the most recognizable Japanese handgun designs of World War II.

Adopted in 1925, the Type 14 served as a standard Japanese military sidearm through the Second World War. Its distinctive profile, narrow barrel, enclosed receiver, and angled wooden grip make it immediately recognizable to military firearm collectors.

Late-War Japanese Production

The pistol displays Japanese characters and production markings on the frame. The visible 19.5 date marking appears consistent with May 1944 manufacture.

The pistol features the enlarged knurled cocking knob associated with later production, along with grooved wooden grip panels and a dark blued finish.

The visible serial number appears to read 37300. Additional inspection of the markings would be needed to establish the exact manufacturer, production series, and whether all numbered components match.

Magazine and Leather Holster Included

This Nambu Type 14 is pictured with one detachable box magazine and a brown leather military-style flap holster.

The holster features a protective flap, securing hardware, stitching, and an exterior accessory pouch. Its worn leather appearance complements the pistol’s historical military character.

The holster’s exact period of manufacture and originality have not been verified.

A Collectible Japanese Military Sidearm

Original Japanese Nambu Type 14 pistols remain popular among collectors of World War II firearms, Imperial Japanese military equipment, and historical military handguns.

This example offers recognizable late-war features, visible Japanese markings, wooden grips, and accompanying accessories.

Pistol Specifications

• Manufacturer: Japanese military production; specific arsenal to be confirmed

• Model: Type 14 Nambu

• Country of origin: Japan

• Caliber: 8mm Nambu

• Action: Semi-automatic, single-action

• Operating system: Short-recoil, locked-breech

• Barrel length: Approximately 4.6 inches, standard Type 14 configuration

• Magazine: Detachable box magazine

• Standard capacity: 8 rounds

• Magazines included: One pictured

• Sights: Fixed front and rear sights

• Grips: Grooved wooden grip panels

• Finish: Dark blued steel with visible wear

• Cocking knob: Enlarged knurled rear knob

• Date marking: Appears to read 19.5 (May 1944)

• Serial number: Appears to read 37300

• Accessories: Brown leather military-style holster

• Condition: Used military surplus

Condition

This pistol displays visible finish thinning, handling marks, scratches, and metal discoloration consistent with its age. The grooved wooden grips show surface wear and retain their distinctive pattern.

The magazine exhibits finish wear. The brown leather holster shows substantial age-related wear, scuffs, creasing, and discoloration, with visible stitching and fastening hardware.

The pistol appears externally complete in the supplied photographs. Bore condition, mechanical operation, matching-number status, and firing function have not been verified. No test-firing claim is made.