Japanese - Nambu Type 94
My interest in those Japanese pistols came from the fact no more than 50 have been registered in Canada (and no more could be...), when compared to thousands reported in USA, from a total produced of 71,000 by Japan before and during WWII. Intended for miltary forces, they were used by tankers and pilots.
« 94 » corresponds to year 2594 of the Japanese calendar, equivalent to 1934 in ours. Serials cover 1935-1945. Year (or Showa) appears on the right side of pistol. Pictured SN 23581 is dated 17.1 (i.e. 17th year of current imperial dynasty started in 1925, so 1942, and 1 is for first month, January). SN 43114 is dated 18.11, for November 1943.
Each of my T94's came with two magazines (no holster). Interestingly, one numbered 114 matches 43114.
Described as bizarre, peculiar, odd-looking, poor design, an engineering calamity, a suicide special, etc. –
Name it as you wish, it’s scarce in our country, and a must on most (12-6 !) collectors’ list.
A top Canadian website reference, by Teri :
http://members.shaw.ca/tju/t94gallery.htm
http://members.shaw.ca/tju/jhg.htm
Main book on the subject :
« Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893-1945 », by Harry L. Derby III & James D. Brown.
For you appreciation, fellow collectors
Bruno
SN 23581
View attachment 28955View attachment 28954
SN 43114
View attachment 28956View attachment 28957
Magazines
View attachment 28959View attachment 28960
My interest in those Japanese pistols came from the fact no more than 50 have been registered in Canada (and no more could be...), when compared to thousands reported in USA, from a total produced of 71,000 by Japan before and during WWII. Intended for miltary forces, they were used by tankers and pilots.
« 94 » corresponds to year 2594 of the Japanese calendar, equivalent to 1934 in ours. Serials cover 1935-1945. Year (or Showa) appears on the right side of pistol. Pictured SN 23581 is dated 17.1 (i.e. 17th year of current imperial dynasty started in 1925, so 1942, and 1 is for first month, January). SN 43114 is dated 18.11, for November 1943.
Each of my T94's came with two magazines (no holster). Interestingly, one numbered 114 matches 43114.
Described as bizarre, peculiar, odd-looking, poor design, an engineering calamity, a suicide special, etc. –
Name it as you wish, it’s scarce in our country, and a must on most (12-6 !) collectors’ list.
A top Canadian website reference, by Teri :
http://members.shaw.ca/tju/t94gallery.htm
http://members.shaw.ca/tju/jhg.htm
Main book on the subject :
« Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893-1945 », by Harry L. Derby III & James D. Brown.
For you appreciation, fellow collectors
Bruno
SN 23581
View attachment 28955View attachment 28954
SN 43114
View attachment 28956View attachment 28957
Magazines
View attachment 28959View attachment 28960
