Beretta 1934 M1934 M-1934 9mm Corto .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1150
LSB#: 210612TP51
Make: Beretta
Model: 1934
Serial Number: 879675
Year of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: 9mm Corto/.380 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Loaded Chamber Indicator
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, “879675”. The barrel is serial-matching, marked on the right side with “79675”. The left side of the frame is marked with an acceptance stamp for the Regio Esercito (Royal Italian Army). The left side of the frame is marked with the stamp of the 4th Technical Office, “IVU” in an oval. Both grip panels are marked with “PB” in a circle.
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 a light patina, the smooth borders on both panels show intermittent nicks, and the and the left panel has moderate nicks at the heel. There are chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is quite bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion, but minor stubborn fouling can be seen throughout.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 89% of its metal finish. The slide has taken on a faint plum hue, there are scattered minor nicks, a few spots of minor surface oxidation, and light thinning on some edges. The slide and barrel have light operational wear. The backstrap has scattered minor surface oxidation. The frame has minor nicks on either side. The screws have light tool marks with strong slots, and all markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about 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 pistol includes two (2) 8-round magazines and a gray 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 shows minor use-wear, as it was in likely service with the Royal Italian Army during World War II, which is indicated by the “RE” stamping on the left side of the frame. This pistol is a very interesting part of military and world history, and will be a prized part of any Military or Beretta collection. Good luck and happy bidding!