Item Description
Original Item: Only one Available. This is a very nice example of the Japanese 35mm Type 10 Flare Signal pistol, the mainstay of the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII. The designation comes from the year it was introduced, 1921, which the Japanese called Taisho 10 (the tenth year of the Taisho Emperor's reign, Hirohito's father). It is a single-shot, single-barrel, double-action-only unit that fires a 35mm flare. This was the second-most common of the Japanese flare pistols. Around 8,300 were produced by the end of the war in 1945.
The left side is marked with the "cloverleaf" logo used by Tokyo and then Kokura Arsenals, and represents four stacked cannon balls viewed from above. After this are the Japanese characters 十 年 式 (Juu Nen Shiki), meaning Type of the Tenth Year, or Type 10. Below that is the serial number 1152. Production was moved from Tokyo to Kokura Arsenal's second factory in 1935 around serial number 1400. That factory averaged about 700 pistols a year until production was moved to another part of Kokura Arsenal in 1944. That means this specimen was ;made BEFORE The move to Kokura, probably in 1933-1934. These is one of the earliest examples that we have ever seen, and definitely the earliest we have offered for sale.
The design of the Type 10 takes many design cues from the Type 26 Nambu Pistol, particularly in the grip frame and trigger era. Towards the end of the war it was thought that some parts were used interchangeably.
This example is in very nice condition, with a great finish on all of the metal components, and minimal wear on the ribbed grips. It is fully functional and complete, as far as we can tell. The included leather holster is in wonderful condition and has no extensive damage present. All stitching is still tightly intact, the only real issue is that the tool is missing from the pouch on the front.
A very nice early example, one that would be very difficult to upgrade from. Comes more than ready for further research and display.
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Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.
All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).
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