Danish Denmark Husqvarna Lahti M40 M/40S 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $928
WOA#: WY240309GJ017
Make: Husqvarna
Model: Lahti Pistol Model M40 – Designated M/40S in Denmark
Serial Number: D10741
Year of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the grip frame is marked “D10741”. The left side of the barrel extension is marked “HUSQVARNA VAPENFABRIKS A. B. / D5751” (non-matching). The top rear of the frame is marked with a crowned “HV” inspection mark, which stands for “Haerens Vapenarsenal” (Danish Army Armory) and there are two punch-marks in the top of the backstrap. The right of the barrel extension is marked “MADE IN SWEDEN” in front of the ejection port.
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 minor handling wear with only a few scattered light nicks and scuffs. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The barrel assembly is not original to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion, but there is some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The left rail of the barrel extension has a short, thin crack at the accelerator cut. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches. The grip areas show handling wear. There is some other scattered more minor finish wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition as not parts-original.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, however the barrel extension’s left rail has a short, thin crack at the accelerator cut. 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 total of three 8-round magazines.
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 to be strong enough to handle the robust German submachine gun ammo that could be picked-up on the battlefield. Husqvarna began production in 1942 after acquiring a license from the Finns, and produced a total run of about 80,000 pistols. Unlike the Finnish guns, a lower grade of steel was used in the Swedish made pistols and they should not be used with hotter 9mm ammunition. About 13,000 pistols were sent to Denmark toward the end of the war for use by Danish exiles and the Danish police forces. 10,000 were ordered and received by the Danish Police forces in the S/N range D5001-D16000 during 1945. This pistol is one of the 10,000 received by the Danish police force. It is in Good overall condition with 85% of its metal finish remaining. The barrel assembly is from the Danish serial range, but it does not match the frame. The barrel extension also has a short crack at the accelerator cut on the left, not uncommon for this model. It otherwise shows wear which is consistent with a gun which would have seen police carry and use, retaining a good bore and strong mechanics. The grips are checkered black plastic and show minor handling wear. This pistol is correctly marked and in pretty good condition considering it was made in the latter days of WWII. It’s also found its way to America without an import mark. This pistol should have high interest by WWII collectors and collectors of Swedish and/or Danish firearms. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
