Occupied WWII French SACM 1935A 7.65 Semi-Auto Pistol, 1941-1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1175

LSB#: 220107DW009

Make: Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques (SACM) during German occupation of France

Model: 1935 A, Pistole 625 (f)

Serial Number: F8520A

Year of Manufacture: 1941-1944

Caliber: 7.65×20mm Longue

Action Type: Single Action Semi Automatic Pistol

Markings: The left side of the frame is marked with “MLE 1935_A”, a German Eagle over “WaA251” Waffenamt code, the serial number, “F8520A” over “S.A.C.M.”. These frame markings are in white fill. The slide is serial-matching, with the underside marked “20” on the flat at the rear. The barrel is marked on the left side with a German Eagle Waffenamt.

Barrel Length: 4 1/4”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a post on a base dovetailed into the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch that is integral to the slide.

Stock Configuration, and Condition: The grips are two-piece black checkered hard rubber with smooth borders. There are light nicks along the smooth edges of both panels and a few areas where the checkering is lightly worn. Otherwise the checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Black Enamel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion, but minor stubborn fouling persists near to the muzzle.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 88% of its metal finish. Light thinning can be seen on most edges, the most notable being on the forward edges of the slide and frame. The slide has scattered light nicks and scuffs as does the frame. There are spots of moderate finish loss on the edges of the grip frame. Screws have light tool marks with usable slots and markings are generally clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Good-to-Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This 1935A will ship with one (1) 8-round magazine.

Our Assessment: Designed in the late 1930s by Charles Petter, a former French Foreign Legion captain and SACM engineer, the 1935A was brought to production after competing in trials set forth by the Commission d’Experiences Techniques de Versailles, and by 1939 was being delivered to the French Army. The pistol was ultimately in production from 1937 to 1950. This particular example was produced during the German occupation of France, likely between 1941 and 1944, and bears a German Eagle over “WaA251” Waffenamt code. It’s fascinating to consider that while many local officials made peace with their German occupiers, others fled and kept fighting, and more than likely were at the wrong end of weapons crafted by their French brothers and sisters. WWII weapon history is dense, and there is no end to fascinating stories such as the story of the 1935A. Good luck and happy bidding!

Occupied WWII French SACM 1935A 7.65 Semi-Auto Pistol, 1941-1944 C&R
Occupied WWII French SACM 1935A 7.65 Semi-Auto Pistol, 1941-1944 C&R