Post-War Commercial Finnish Valmet Lahti L-35 L35 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1777
LSB#: 210415JR02
Make: Valmet
Model: L-35, “Lahti”
Serial Number: 8530
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1947
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel extension, left of the frame and top-rear of the bolt are each marked “8530”. The top of the barrel extension has a Valmet logo and “L-35”. There are inspection marks on the bottom and right of the barrel at the rear. The trigger, trigger bar and takedown lever each have “E” hand-scribed.
Barrel Length: 4 ¾”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a vertical rear face that is dovetailed into a serrated, ramped, 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 two-piece checkered brown plastic with “VKT” logo at their tops. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong with minor operational wear, most notable at the safety. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent 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 & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine. The magazine shows minor operational wear, intact feed lips, and a strong spring, in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: Following independence from Russia and the end of the Finnish Civil War, it was decided that Finland needed a domestically produced sidearm for their armed forces. Designed by Aimo Lahti at the VKT State Rifle Factory, the result was the L-35, better known today as the Lahti. The design served the Finns well in the Winter War and Continuation war, with the design also seeing use by Sweden and Denmark. This example is a post-war gun, assembled with extra parts after military production was complete. The post-war guns did not have a provision for a stock/holster to be attached and most were marked with the Valmet brand name rather than VKT. This is one of the later guns, distinguished by the lack of a loaded chamber indicator. It doesn’t appear to have seen much, if any use since coming to the United States, with a great bore, strong mechanics, matching serialized parts and hardly any wear in its metal finish. This would be a great pistol to add to any collection, especially given its high condition, lack of an import mark, and scarcity here in the United States. Please see our photos and good luck!