Ceska Zbrojovka Brno Vz. 22 9mm Nickl .380 ACP Rimless Semi-Auto Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $1162

LSB#: 210515MW02

Make: Ceska Zbrojovka

Model: Vz. 22

Serial Number: 8427

Year of Manufacture: 1921-1924, 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. / Ceska zbrojovka Brno.”. The “Ceska” marking has been partially milled off. The left rear of the trigger guard is marked “CET”. The rear of the frame below the hammer is marked with the serial number “8427”. The right bow of the trigger guard is marked “v.”. The right side of the grip frame is marked “+”. 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 “111539” and “cz” with an arrow between the letters. That same “cz” with arrow marking is also on the spine.

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 cracks on both sides and on the backstrap. There are some nicks and scratches. The checkering is smooth yet visible. Overall, the grips rate in about Fair condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is worn yet defined. 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 with some more notable finish loss on the front sides of the slide and the barrel bushing. There is scattered faint surface oxidation on the slide as well. There is slight finish loss on the front strap as well. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads are slightly disfigured. The markings are legible aside from the milled “Ceska” marking. 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, which could explain why the “Ceska” was milled off. Approximately 22,000 of these pistols were manufactured between 1921 and 1924. 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!