WWII Finnish Valtion Kivääritehdas VKT Lahti L-35 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,876.00
LSB#: 240517ES019
Make: Valtion Kivääritehdas (VKT)
Model: L-35, “Lahti”
Serial Number: 2074
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1940-1941
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine and Loaded Chamber Indicator
Markings: The left side of the barrel extension, left of the frame and top-rear of the bolt are each marked “2074”. The top of the barrel extension has a VKT logo and “L-35”. There are inspection marks on the barrel and trigger.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
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. There is an attachment site on the back strap for a shoulder stock (not included). There is a notable scuff at the top rear of the right panel. Otherwise, the grips have only a few scattered light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some faint erosion on the lands near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The barrel extension has turned a distinct plum. The finish is generally strong with some scattered minor nicks, scratches, and scuffs. There is some thinning at sharper corners and the leading edges and holster wear around the muzzle. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine 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 brown Finnish marked holster, cleaning rod, and two 8-round magazines.
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 an early-war gun, manufactured sometime around 1940-1941. Collectors usually divide production of the L-35 pistol starting at Series 0 to Series 4. This example is from Series 1, which included about 2,600 pistols, from these first 1,000 were delivered before mid-March of 1940 and another 1,500 by June of 1941. It doesn’t appear to have seen much 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!
-Greenfield
