Beretta Model 1934 M1934 M-1934 9mm Corto 380 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 211015GC10
Make: Beretta
Model: 1934 Italian Army
Serial Number: 879929
Year of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: 9mm Corto (.380 ACP)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “P. BERETTA – CAL. 9 CORTO – MO 1934 – BREVET. / GARDONE V. T. 1941 XIX”. The right side of the slide and frame are marked with serial number, “879929”. The left side of the frame is marked with a Crown over “RE”, for the Regio Esercito (Royal Italian Army). Both grip panels are marked with “PB” in a circle. The left bow of the tigger guard and the right side of the barrel lug are marked “PL” in a rectangle. The barrel is serial-matching, the barrel lug is marked “79929”. The right side of the frame at the rear is marked “IVU” in an oval.
Barrel Length: 3 3/8”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a u-notch dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration, and Condition: The grips are two-piece textured hard rubber panels with smooth borders and alloy brackets. The exposed areas of the brackets have gone to white, the smooth borders on both panels show intermittent fine scratches and nicks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is faint erosion in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 72% of its metal finish. The slide has moderate thinning on most edges, but most notably at the front. The slide has taken on a faint plum hue. The frame has light thinning on all edges. The front strap and backstrap show a faint patina appearance. There are scattered spots of light pitting, mainly along edges but also found on the trigger guard, right side of the slide, and the dust cover. The screws show light tool marks with strong slots and the markings are crisp and deep. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-Very Good 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, and Accessories: This M1934 includes two 8-round magazines and a brown leather holster.
Our Assessment: The Beretta 1934 is to this day a collectible and desirable pistol. Designed in the early 30s and brought into service officially in 1935, just over 1,000,000 were produced over the next 56 years, and were utilized by Italian, German, Libyan, Finnish, Romanian, and Yugoslavian militaries. The consumer variant was called the Cougar, and was available in the US. This example is from the fascist era in Italy, denoted by the roman numerals XIX—the 19th year of the fascist regime and 1941 specifically. In overall Very Good condition, this pistol has wear throughout, as it was likely in service with the Royal Italian Army during World War II, which is indicated by the Crown over “RE” stamping on the left side of the frame. This pistol is a very cool part of military and world history, and will be a prized part of any Military collection. Good luck and happy bidding!