Danish Denmark Husqvarna Lahti M40 M/40S 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1175.60
LSB#: 210608MW63
Make: Husqvarna
Model: Lahti Pistol Model M40 – Designated M/40S in Denmark
Serial Number: D6855
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1945
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the grip frame is marked “D6855”. The left side of the barrel extension is marked “HUSQVARNA VAPENFABRIKS A B / D6855”. The top rear of the frame is marked with a crowned “HV” inspection mark, which stands for “Haerens Vapenarsenal” (Danish Army Armory). There are two punch-marks in the backstrap toward the top.
Barrel Length: 4 ¾”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a vertical rear face that is dovetailed into a banded base on the barrel. The rear sight is a flat topped “U” notch integral to the back of the barrel extension.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are brown checkered plastic with a crowned Husqvarna logo on both sides. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few scattered light marks. The checkering is generally sharp, there is infrequent residue in the checkering. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some minor finish wear at the top-rear of the barrel. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, the finish is generally strong throughout. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine and a black leather lanyard.
Our Assessment: This is an interesting looking pistol with many Luger similarities, and is a direct descendant of the Bergmann-Bayard M1910 pistol. They were designed in Finland to work reliably in extreme cold weather and Husqvarna began production in 1942 after acquiring a license from the Finns, and produced a total run of about 80,000 pistols. About 13,000 pistols were sent to Denmark toward the end of the war for use by Danish exiles and the Danish police forces. 10,000 were ordered and received by the Danish Police forces in the S/N range D5001-D16000 during 1945. This pistol is one of the 10,000 received by the Danish police force. It is in about Fine overall condition with 94% of its original finish remaining. It shows some scattered light marks and operational wear. The grips are checkered brown plastic and show minor handling wear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. This pistol is correctly marked and in fantastic condition considering it was made in the latter days of WWII. This pistol should have high interest by WWII collectors and collectors of Swedish and/or Danish firearms. Please see our photos and good luck!