*EXTREMELY RARE HINO-KOMURO BLOW FORWARD SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

Revised: 9/11/2009

Additional Information: This lot is accompanied by a signed and notarized affidavit from the consignor’s family, stating the history of how the gun was obtained.

*EXTREMELY RARE HINO-KOMURO BLOW FORWARD SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. SN 435. Cal. 8 mm Nambu. Most unusual pistol designed by Japanese Army Lt. Kumazo Hino and supported financially by civilian Tomojiro Komuro who were issued a patent on March 5, 1904. Produced in very limited quantities, probably less than 500, according to Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893-1945, Derby & Brown, it was offered in calibers 5 mm to 8 mm, and according to the referenced book, only two others in 8 mm are known, this being the third. This pistol is extremely unusual in that the 8-rd magazine release is mounted on bottom of front strap in a position where it can be accidentally released. Magazine feeds in a normal manner, however the loading process is altogether different from other semi-auto pistols in that the bbl is pulled forward by means of grasping grooves forward on its sides until the action locks open. Upon squeezing the grip safety & trigger the bbl is spring released to the rear, stripping a cartridge into the chamber and firing it against a fixed firing pin at rear of breech block; firing returns the bbl forward to battery ready to be discharged again. 8-1/2″ rnd bbl with integral rails on each side which slide inside the octagon to rnd bbl shroud which is integral to frame & grip frame. It has a tapered dovetailed half moon front sight and fixed rear sight. Grip frame is mounted with checkered walnut panels and back strap has an integral lanyard ring at the heel. Top of back strap has two Japanese characters, which the above reference book reports as “tok kyo”, with the patent number “7165” below. Serial number 435 is just above the lanyard ring. Both sides of rear part of top frame are hand engraved with Kanji characters which translate in Japanese Sea Terms to “Fresh Water Section”, suggesting Navy use. The magazine base is also substantially different than any pictured in the reference book;it is apparently walnut with a small grasping area protruding below the grip frame unlike others that have Luger style bases or metal bases with extended toes. This model is examined in great detail on pp. 26-40 of the referenced publication. Accompanied by a brown leather flap holster that fits this pistol extremely well. Rear of holster does not appear to have had a belt loop attachment which is somewhat in keeping with the Japanese style of using a sash instead of a belt. The holster now has two hand cut slots to attach it to a belt. Consignor states the item was obtained in the days following the Japanese surrender in 1945 by his Father in the area of Shanghai China while stationed aboard a USN minesweeper in Shanghai Bay. The pistol and holster have remained in the family’s possession since this time. CONDITION: Good to very good. No orig finish remains, only an overall smooth gray/brown patina on metal. Left grip has a small chip by the trigger, otherwise grips are sound showing moderate wear and retaining traces of orig varnish. Magazine is mostly a mottled gray metal color with sound base. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Holster is fine showing light wear. 4-37586 JR39 (20,000-30,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2009

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1079	$18,975.00	Revised: 9/11/2009 Additional Information: This lot is accompanied by a signed and notarized affidavit from the consignor’s family, stating the history of how the gun was obtained. EXTREMELY RARE HINO-KOMURO BLOW FORWARD SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. SN 435. Cal. 8 mm Nambu. Most unusual pistol designed by Japanese Army Lt. Kumazo Hino and supported financially by civilian Tomojiro Komuro who were issued a patent on March 5, 1904. Produced in very limited quantities, probably less than 500, according to Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893-1945, Derby & Brown, it was offered in calibers 5 mm to 8 mm, and according to the referenced book, only two others in 8 mm are known, this being the third. This pistol is extremely unusual in that the 8-rd magazine release is mounted on bottom of front strap in a position where it can be accidentally released. Magazine feeds in a normal manner, however the loading process is altogether different from other semi-auto pistols in that the bbl is pulled forward by means of grasping grooves forward on its sides until the action locks open. Upon squeezing the grip safety & trigger the bbl is spring released to the rear, stripping a cartridge into the chamber and firing it against a fixed firing pin at rear of breech block; firing returns the bbl forward to battery ready to be discharged again. 8-1/2″ rnd bbl with integral rails on each side which slide inside the octagon to rnd bbl shroud which is integral to frame & grip frame. It has a tapered dovetailed half moon front sight and fixed rear sight. Grip frame is mounted with checkered walnut panels and back strap has an integral lanyard ring at the heel. Top of back strap has two Japanese characters, which the above reference book reports as “tok kyo”, with the patent number “7165” below. Serial number 435 is just above the lanyard ring. Both sides of rear part of top frame are hand engraved with Kanji characters which translate in Japanese Sea Terms to “Fresh Water Section”, suggesting Navy use. The magazine base is also substantially different than any pictured in the reference book;it is apparently walnut with a small grasping area protruding below the grip frame unlike others that have Luger style bases or metal bases with extended toes. This model is examined in great detail on pp. 26-40 of the referenced publication. Accompanied by a brown leather flap holster that fits this pistol extremely well. Rear of holster does not appear to have had a belt loop attachment which is somewhat in keeping with the Japanese style of using a sash instead of a belt. The holster now has two hand cut slots to attach it to a belt. Consignor states the item was obtained in the days following the Japanese surrender in 1945 by his Father in the area of Shanghai China while stationed aboard a USN minesweeper in Shanghai Bay. The pistol and holster have remained in the family’s possession since this time. CONDITION: Good to very good. No orig finish remains, only an overall smooth gray/brown patina on metal. Left grip has a small chip by the trigger, otherwise grips are sound showing moderate wear and retaining traces of orig varnish. Magazine is mostly a mottled gray metal color with sound base. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Holster is fine showing light wear. 4-37586 JR39 (20,000-30,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2009 Please Note:* All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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