Rare Beretta M1934 9mm Corto .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1940-1946 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1075
LSB#: 210907BW52
Make: Beretta
Model: 1934
Serial Number: V1373
Year of Manufacture: Ostensibly 1940, per the slide markings. Please see our assessment for more information.
Caliber: 9mm Corto (.380 ACP)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “P. BERETTA – CAL. 9 CORTO – MO 1934 – BREVETTATO / GARDONE V. T. 1940 – XVIII”. The left side of the grip frame to the rear of the lanyard ring is marked “LV” in an oval. mber, “V1373”. Both grip panels are marked with “PB” in a circle. The barrel is marked “PL” in a rectangle.
Barrel Length: 3 3/8”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a square-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 have intermittent nicks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 88% of its metal finish. The slide has minor thinning on most edges along with scattered light nicks, some through the finish. The barrel has light operational wear throughout, including some moderate scuffs. The frame has several clusters of light tool marks; these are especially notable on the right side. The screws have light tool marks with strong slots, and while markings are clear, there is some minor dishing on the edges. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety latch does stick a bit, but operation is not hindered. 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 the following two (2) 8-round magazines with pinky extension.
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 technically from the fascist era in Italy, denoted by the roman numerals XVIII—the 18th year of the fascist regime, or 1940. What’s interesting about this example is the veritable lack of any other standard Beretta markings. The barrel is not serial-matching, marked only with an inspector’s stamp, same for the frame. The serial number, which features a letter prefix, isn’t consistent with other Beretta serial marks. There is every indication this was assembled post-war. German troops ceased production of Italian arms in favor of their own, and we strongly suspect the slide is surplus and the pistol was otherwise cobbled together and was part of a smaller run. Anecdotal comments in online forums state that the lowest number seen is somewhere around V0075 and the highest is around V1435. In overall Very Good condition, this rare variant has wear throughout, but mechanically is aces. This pistol is a very cool part of military and world history, and will be a prized part of any collection. Good luck and happy bidding!