Jap Type 26 Nambu Revolver 9x22

[SixString]

Hello all, I'm new to the site. I found it while researching a pistol that I recently received. So I thought I'd chime in on this subject. I recently inherited a Type 26 revolver, and have indeed shot .38 S&W ammo though it, although not often. This one appears to be in OK shape with some bluing rubbed off of the barrel tip (I assume from holstering). The serial number is pretty low, 619, and the I assume original checkered stock, but I don't know how that relates to the age of the weapon. I also have a holster with it that's in pretty good shape -- no cleaning rod though. Any information on it would be appreciated.
Attachment 29520

Thanks, glad to be on board.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Japanese revolver type 26, caliber 9mm Japanese, made 1894, maybe early 1895 (type was accepted for production in 1894), so pre-1898 "antique"
Marked:

(Symbol of a pile of cannonballs seen from above) =
Koishikawa Arsenal

(2 / x10 / 6 / year / type) =
26 year type

(number)
619

Various parts will be stamped with a factory assembly number. This will not be the same as the military registration number 619 stamped on the frame, but attests that all the parts belong to the same revolver.
There should be further Kanji characters marked on the butt, by the lanyard ring, to indicate final accuracy and dimensional check.

Approx 58000 known. I guess that yours is from the first production batch. Don't lose it!

And now you need to get hold of a copy of "Military Pistols of Japan" by Fred L. Honeycutt, as just about everything that I or anyone else can tell you is in that book, with several good photos and an exploded diagram of the assembly.

Congratulations!


Patrick

P.S: Captain Kijiro Nambu was assigned to Koishikawa Arsenal in 1897, after the introduction of the Type 26. So the Type 26 revolver is not a "Nambu" (which were pistol types).