The quality of Type 94 Nambu pistols decreased towards the end of World War II as the Japanese faced bombing raids from Allied forces and material shortages increased.Derby, Harry L. Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893–1945 (2003), p. 219 This drastic change in quality from late March 1945, onwards with all quality standards appearing to disappear towards the end of June 1945.Derby, Harry L. Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893–1945 (2003), p. 220 As bakelite became increasingly unavailable, the earlier bakelite grips were replaced with smooth wooden grips, often called "slab" grips. Many pistols were not serialized and no pistols have been reported that bear July 1945 manufacture date. Only four unserialized and undated pistols are known to exist and include mismatched parts with no inspection marks, lanyard loops, and extractors.Derby, Harry L. Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893–1945 (2003), p. 221 A small number of pistols made during the final production stages include earlier production dates and appear to have been salvaged from previously discarded pistols that had minor or cosmetic defects.
