This is a very fine example of a Japanese "Baby Nambu" pistol that is complete with a set of captured papers dated Sept 1945 that lists this pistol by serial number as being in the possession of S/Sgt Merrill Stahl. This pistol was manufactured at the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal in Koishikawa Tokyo between 1903 and 1928. There were approximately 6,000 produced, and this pistol was fairly early in the production cycle. These pistols were designated as a Type "B" to differentiate them from the larger Grandpa Nambu series, and although never officially adopted by the military, they were recognized as an authorized firearm intended strictly for private purchase by high ranking officers in either the Army or Navy. The chamber bears the four intertwined cannon balls of the Tokyo Arsenal, and the right side of the receiver is marked with Japanese characters that identify the model above the serial number "1646". It has a high quality rust blue finish and straw colored, trigger, magazine release, sear pivot pin and bolt lock, and the bolt is finished bright. The grips are finely checkered hardwood or mahogany. It comes with one modern manufactured replacement magazine that has a nickel-plated body with an unnumbered or proofed aluminum base.

Fine with 60% plus of the original blued finish overall with the balance a plum/brown color mixed with extensive of fine pitting overall, possibly from being in a holster. The grips are in fine condition with nice visible checkering on both sides mixed with some minor handling marks. The pistol has matching numbers on the grips, cocking knob, frame and firing pin extension. The firing pin is not numbered; however, it has been with the pistol probably from the day of manufacture.