Husqvarna Swedish Flygvapnet M-40 M40 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1940-1946 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1275
LSB#: 220316CA350
Make: Husqvarna
Model: Lahti Pistol Model M40
Serial Number: 38826
Year of Manufacture: 1941-1946
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the grip frame is marked “38826”. The left side of the barrel extension is marked “HUSQVARNA VAPENFABRIKS A. B. / 38826” and in front of the bolt with “F.1. / 749” Swedish Air Force unit marking. The top rear of the frame is marked with a crowned “S.S.” inspection mark. The top-rear of the bolt is marked “38826” and with a crown inspection mark. The crown inspection mark is also on the right of the barrel extension in front of the ejection port, the top of the barrel at the rear, the takedown lever, the right of the trigger, and the inside of the locking block next to an arrow (to indicate orientation for reassembly). There are two punch-marks in the backstrap. The barrel is import marked “CAI ST ALB VT / M-40 9MM / LAHTI SWEDEN” through the finish.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
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 black checkered plastic with a crowned Husqvarna logo on both sides. The grips have a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered minor surface oxidation. There is some faint erosion in the grip straps. The action shows light operational wear and there are a few scattered minor nicks and scratches. There is one more notable nick on the left of the barrel extension in front of the maker’s marking. There is thinning at some edges, mostly at corners. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear with raised edges. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus 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. The magazine has light-moderate operational wear, some minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 were used by a few different Northern European countries. Husqvarna began production in 1941 after acquiring a license from the Finns, and produced a total run of about 80,000 pistols. This pistol is one of the 60,000 or so produced for the Swedish armed forces and has a Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) unit marking. The pistol is from early-mid production, not having the loaded chamber indicator on the top of its barrel extension, but still having an accelerator, a design feature that was later dropped from this model. It is in Very Good-plus overall condition with about 92% of its original finish remaining. The grips are checkered black plastic and show minor handling wear. The bore is bright with strong rifling and no erosion. This pistol is correctly marked and in fantastic condition considering it was made at least 75 years ago. This pistol should have high interest by military arms collectors, especially collectors of Swedish firearms. Please see our photos and good luck!