Description
The Nambu Type 90 was a flare gun of Japanese origin and manufactured by Nambu. It was used by the Imperial Japanese Navy and came with two or three barrels.
The barrels were made from blued steel and the body of the weapon was painted with a black lacquer. A two-position safety lever was just above the grip on the left side: up for Fire and down for Safe. The barrel was selected by a lever above the grip backstrap: left for the left barrel, right for the right barrel and center for the center barrel; on the double-barrel model the center position acted as a second safety.
The barrels had rectangular decals on them indicating which flare was loaded as standard. The three-barreled version’s barrels were marked one green decal on the right-hand barrel, one white decal on the top barrel, and one red with a yellow center stripe decal (to indicate red or yellow flares) on the left-hand barrel. White flares were used for illumination at twilight and night, black smoke was used for obscurement, and the colored flares were used for signalling. The shells had cardboard hulls with a brass or steel base.
The Imperial Navy’s Type 90 is rarer than the Imperial Army’s Type 10 for a few good reasons. First, they were made in lower numbers than the Army type. Second, they were usually issued to ships and Naval aircraft and were lost when they were destroyed or sank. Third, Soldiers and Marines who found flare guns on the battlefield often threw them away, as they were not seen as collectable as pistols, rifles, or knives.
Made of wood and steel, this Flare Pistol is in GOOD used condition! Made by Nambu, it retains approx. 90% original paint and finish. Some marks, scratches, and wear throughout, but nothing that detracts. The bore of the pistol is perfect, and the frame features a clear proofs and markings…as well as a Navy Anchor. Sadly, the veteran who brought this home took it apart at one time. As such the rear selector switch is missing, and it currently will not fire (though I was able to cock it fine). Some small loose parts are included, which are also original to this gun. Good for parts/restoration. A VERY NICE example, it would make a FANTASTIC addition to any collection or display!
