9/26/19 - This is a nice example of a complete Husqvarna M40 rig that was part of a Danish Police contract, as indicated by the 'D' prefix in the serial. This is a Swedish made copy of the Lahtl L-35, as the Swedish army realized there would be a shortage of pistols in the event of large scale military mobilization in Europe. Originally adopting the Walther P38 in 1939, Germany's entry into World War II stopped the export of P38s to Sweden. To compensate, Sweden adopted the Lahti pistol but was unable to import L-35-type guns because of Finland's conflicts with the USSR. Production was licensed to Svenska Automatvapen AB but the immediate collapse of the company passed the contract to Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag. The first m/40s were delivered to the Swedish military by 1942 with slight differences from the Finnish L-35 Lahtis. The grips of the m/40 have the Husqvarna "crown H" motif engraved and the front sight was slightly larger. The barrel is also slightly longer on the m/40 than the Finnish Lahti with the m/40's trigger guard being heavier, and the pistol does not have the loaded chamber indicator and lock-retaining spring of the Finnish Lahti. The finish on this pistol rates at about 95%, with the majority of wear found on the straps, and minor holster wear at the edges. The back of the frame is marked Crown over HV. and the original holster is also marked with the Crown over HV proof on the flap. Pistol has an excellent bore and terrific grips. Rig includes a spare magazine, a cleaning rod and takedown tool.
