Ceska Zbrojovka Military Marked Vz. 22 9mm Nickl Semi-Auto Pistol, 1923 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3000
LSB#: 220906PG283
Make: Ceska Zbrojovka
Model: Vz. 22 Czech Military
Serial Number: 12778
Year of Manufacture: 1923, C&R
Caliber: 9mm Nickl (Basically a Rimless .380 ACP)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol w/ Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “9.mm. N. / Cs.st.zbrojovka, Brno.”. The rear of the frame below the hammer is marked with the serial number “12778”. The right bow of the trigger guard is marked “E”, Czech lion proof, and “23”. The barrel, bushing, assembly pin, and lug are all serial matching. The lug is also marked with an arrow. The floorplate of the magazine is marked “95375” and “cz” with an arrow between the letters. That same “cz” with arrow marking is also on the spine. The front strap is marked “10D” and “263” (10th regiment, “D” for artillery, and the 263rd gun assigned).
Barrel Length: 3.42”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated tapered forward sloping blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a V-notch leaf dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece checkered wood that envelops the backstrap. There are nicks, compressions, and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is worn yet defined. Overall, the grips rate in about Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered faint erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is some light thinning at the leading edges and light holster wear at the front of the slide. There is some faint oxidation on the front strap and a few faint streaks of loss as well. There are dispersed little nicks and scratches about the metal, notably on the right side of the frame and on the left side plate. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads are slightly disfigured. The markings are strong. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is no perceptible play between the slide and frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is one eight round magazine.
Our Assessment: The pistole vz. 22 was the first Czech Army pistol of the inter-war period. The vz. 22 was based upon the work of Mauser designer Josef Nickl’s Model 1915 handgun. Slovakia seized over seven thousand vz. 22s when it declared its independence from Czechoslovakia in March 1939. Approximately 22,000 of these pistols were manufactured between 1921 and 1924. This example was assigned to the czech military and bears a unit marking on the front strap. This example is in about Very Good condition and would make a neat addition to a vintage pistol collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
