My first Type-14 just happens to be from the first month of a transitional design, beginning in 1932.
The pistol has matching external and internal numbers, with the exception of the mag. It is production dated for Showa 7.1 (seven years into the Hirohito era starting 1925, first month), or January, 1932.
For this design transition, the long firing pin which was prone to breakage was replaced by a shorter pin. The shorter pin also allowed for a longer striker spring, which aided in prevention of light primer strikes. The other change was the introduction of a released mag safety, which would not allow the pistol to fire without an inserted mag.
Later design upgrades for the Type-14 would include the enlargement of the trigger guard. Some of the early guns were upgraded, but this one retains its original small trigger guard.
The pistol retains about 95% finish with excellent bore, and only light to moderate grip wear, with the unfortunate safety scratch across left grip from rotating the safety in the wrong direction. Some pitting had developed on the frame beneath the grips, and got cleaned up/oiled before reassembly.
Some pics, and thanks for looking.
The pistol has matching external and internal numbers, with the exception of the mag. It is production dated for Showa 7.1 (seven years into the Hirohito era starting 1925, first month), or January, 1932.
For this design transition, the long firing pin which was prone to breakage was replaced by a shorter pin. The shorter pin also allowed for a longer striker spring, which aided in prevention of light primer strikes. The other change was the introduction of a released mag safety, which would not allow the pistol to fire without an inserted mag.
Later design upgrades for the Type-14 would include the enlargement of the trigger guard. Some of the early guns were upgraded, but this one retains its original small trigger guard.
The pistol retains about 95% finish with excellent bore, and only light to moderate grip wear, with the unfortunate safety scratch across left grip from rotating the safety in the wrong direction. Some pitting had developed on the frame beneath the grips, and got cleaned up/oiled before reassembly.
Some pics, and thanks for looking.
Yours is a very close relative to mine. I have three rounds for the Nambu and do not plan on firing them as they are too hard to get.
