Today for Gus’ Gear I have an 1893 Japanese Type 26 revolver chambered in 9mm Japanese. It has a 6 round capacity and fires only double action. The holster is very similar to the French clamshell holsters used for the Mle 1873 and Mle 1892 revolvers. People often forget that Japan was a major force in the Great War as they drove the Germans from China and also sent a force of nearly a quarter million soldiers, when the United States invaded Russia in 1918.
The Type 26 revolver was the first modern handgun produced in Japan for the military. It is based on the Smith & Wesson New Model #3 revolver that had been in service with the Japanese Army in small numbers. The Smith & Wesson influence is very evident in the design of the Type 26. The omission of a hammer spur means this revolver can only function as a double action, limiting it as an accurate weapon. Another flaw in the design is the fact that the cylinder can rotate freely allowing it to advance when being holstered or removed. This could render the weapon ineffective if a fired cartridge is next in line when the trigger is pulled.
The revolver has simple markings on the right side plate, the symbol of the Koishikawa Army arsenal, 二十六年式 (26 year type) and the serial number. This revolver was adopted in 1893, the 26th year of the Menji dynasty. The Koishikawa arsenal was destroyed by an earthquake in 1923. The back of the clamshell holster shows the same type of belt loop and sling attachments that are commonly found on French holsters.
The holster has a pocket with loops to hold 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition. It has a place to store the cleaning rod sewn to the front edge of the holster.
Breakdown of the revolver for cleaning is simple, the trigger guard is pulled down and forward to release the side plate, which is hinged to the frame. This makes it impossible to drop or loose parts while cleaning. There are two knurled knobs at the back above the cylinder that can be grasped and pulled up to open the weapon. As the action opens, the ejector empties the cylinder and then retracts ready to reload.