Beretta M1934 M-1934 Italian Air Force .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1935 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1825
LSB#: 211015GC09
Make: Beretta
Model: 1934 Italian Air Force
Serial Number: 411766
Year of Manufacture: 1935
Caliber: .32 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PISTOLA BERETTA 765 BREV. 1915-1919-M? 1934 / GARDONE V. T.-1935 XIII”. The right side of the slide and frame are marked with serial number, “411766”. The left side of the frame, at the rear, is marked with a “Crown / Eagle”, for the Regia Aeronautica (Royal Italian Air Force). Both grip panels are marked with “PB” in a circle. The barrel is serial-matching, the barrel lug is marked “1766”. The floor plates of both magazines are marked “SA” in a square.
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 smooth borders on both panels show dispersed fine scratches and nicks. There is a scratch in the texturing on the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is erosion and light pitting throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 72% of its metal finish. The slide and frame have thinning on all edges. The slide has taken on a faint plum hue. The front strap and back strap and trigger guard show finish loss. There are scattered spots of light pitting, mainly along edges. The screws show light tool marks with strong slots and the markings are crisp and deep. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-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 includes two 8-round magazines and a brown 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 XIII—the 13th year of the fascist regime and 1935 specifically. It bears the mark of the Royal Italian Air Force. During the 1930s, the fledgling Regia Aeronautica was involved in its first military operations, first in Ethiopia in 1935, and later in the Spanish Civil War between 1936 and 1939. This pistol is a very cool part of military and world history, and will be a prized part of any Military collection. Good luck and happy bidding!