WWII Beretta Model 1935 M1935 .32 ACP 7.65mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 211015GC11
Make: Beretta
Model: 1935
Serial Number: 597107
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: .32 Auto (7.65x17mm Browning)
Action Type: Blowback Operated Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “P. BERETTA-CAL. 765-Brevettata / Gardone V.T. 1944”. The right side of the slide and frame are marked with the serial number, “534645”. The left side of the frame to the rear of the grip panel is marked with “4 / UT” in an oval. The right side of the barrel lug is marked “7107”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/8″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short blade integral to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “v” notched base dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece black hard rubber with smooth borders with the “PB” circled logo. The grips are attached to a blued steel backing that encloses the front and rear edges of the grips. There is a lanyard ring mounted on the left bottom rear of the grip frame. The grips show a few nicks and small scuffs on the smooth borders. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. The top rear of the slide has a faint plum hue. There is light thinning at the leading edges. There are several light scratches throughout, though are most notable on the right side of the frame. There is finish loss throughout the barrel. The screw heads are tool-marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol has a frame-mounted safety that can also act as a slide stop. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: The pistol comes with four 8-round magazines and a black leather holster. The top of the flap has been hand scribed “SPEAR / HEAD” and the front of the holster has a Nazi eagle stamp with “1941 / Berlin”. One of the magazines has a pinky extension.
Our Assessment: The M1935 is a single-action semi-automatic blowback pistol that fires .32 ACP ammunition. It is constructed from carbon steel with plastic grips and is equipped with a frame safety that also acts as a take down lever and slide hold open. When the last shot has been fired the slide is retained open by the empty magazine and must be held open manually by the safety lever to reload the pistol. The magazine capacity is 8 rounds. As this pistol was built for the Italian army, all parts were interchangeable, which simplified maintenance and manufacturing: a first for Italian automatic service pistols. The phosphate finish is an example of late war manufacture having been made in 1944. It bears the “4 / UT” marking which stands for Italian 4th Technical Service and represents military acceptance. This pistol is in about Very Good condition with strong mechanics and a respectable bore. Please see our photos and good luck!