My
Gun Show Display
The
first public display of my collection was at the Alberta Arms and Cartridge
Collectors Association (AACCA) Spring Gun Show,
Here
is an overview shot showing the whole display. I had two 8-foot tables, with
five display cases and a TV/VCR set up to play a video on Japanese guns of
WWII. The cases run chronologically from right to left, starting with a display
on the Type 26 revolver. I had originally set it up to run left to right but
then changed it before the show opened as I was near the door and the traffic
flow ran right to left. To give the display a gPacific Theatreh feel I used a
coarse grade of burlap for the table skirt and a closer woven grade for the
background on the explanatory panels.
This one
shows the centre and left side of the display. The TV/VCR are just our of the shot to the left. The panels are 24hX36h poster
boards held upright by bases made of plywood and 2X4s. The posters are wedged
firmly between the two pieces of 2X4 which we laid on their sides and screwed
to the plywood. They pull out for ease of storage. The captions on the panels
are gFrequently Asked Questionsh (left) and gJapanese Handgun Training and
Usageh (right).
Here
are the sign boards on the right side. The captions are gA Japanese Soldier
Goes to Warh (left) and gKijiro Nambu:
Here
is the first display case with the Type 26 revolver, holster and cleaning rod.
All items displayed were original (no reproductions), though the period photos
were all photocopied from books. I used my own colour
photos to show rear or interior views of the items.
This
case had my Baby Nambu with holster and cleaning rod.
I used the book dust cover to show what the Grandpa Nambu
and Papa Nambu look like as I donft have one of
either yet. The little pieces of burlap near the end of the barrel of each gun
is used to cover the locking rods I used for security (see below). The Canadian
governmentfs gun show display regulations are very strict and not all
exhibitors meet them as strictly as I chose to.
This
case had my Type 14s. I had one disassembled in the upper right corner so that
people could see that it doesnft work like a Luger, which seems to be a common
misconception due to the similarity in shape between the two pistols. I also
showed Type 14 magazine and cleaning rod variations here.
I
had one huge, five-foot wide case that I built in case I ever wanted to display
rifles. This time I used it for my five Type 14 holsters and my ammunition
display (the ammunition must be displayed separately from any guns). The little
booklet above the second holster from the right is a mint condition Type 14
instruction manual which I have almost finished translating (as of mid-April,
2004).
Here
is the ammunition display. I showed both WWII rounds and post-war production.
Among my prized items here is a mint 8mm Nambu
practice round. The 8mm rounds are in the top row above the boxes and the 7mm and
9mm are below the boxes. I have an original WWII 8mm box on the way, but it
wasnft here in time for the show.
The
last case showed the Type 94 with holster and magazine varieties. I donft have
an original cleaning rod for it yet. The close-up photo of the gun was captured
from a video and shows it being fired by pressing on the exposed external sear
rather than the trigger.
I
had three levels of security. First, each gun had a special locking device
which I designed and had my husband make (hefs a handy guy to have around!).
The brass rod fits in from the breech end and then a lock fits through a hole
in the end that sticks out the muzzle. Second, each case was locked. Third, all
the cases were locked to the table with a length of plastic-coated wire rope.
Herefs
what the rods look like. The short one on the top is for a Baby Nambu. The second one is for a Type 94. The third one is
for a Type 14. The one on the bottom is for a Type 26 revolver. Each is
designed to extend one inch beyond the muzzle when inserted and pulled fully
forward. The thick part at the chamber end (left) prevents them from being
pulled out. The hole at the muzzle end (right) is for a small padlock.
Herefs
how they work. On the semi-autos you have to take the gun apart, drop them in
the barrel, then re-assemble the gun. On the Type 26 you just break open the
action and drop it in, as shown below.
The end result looks like this when installed
in a Type 14.
Besides
winning an award, I got a great deal on an NCO sword, picked up some cartridges
I needed and got a lead on a Type 14. All in all, it was a great show, and to
make it even better, while it was going on our house sold for the full asking
price!
To return
to the home page, please click here: Nambu
World: Terifs WWII Japanese Handgun Website
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