SOLD - Rare Lahti L-35 Valmet - First Variation

6/12/18 - This is, by far, the rarest of all Lahti pistols.  The first variation Finnish military guns are practically non-existent in US, as only about 1500 were made before the Winter War and many were lost in battle with the surviving guns either captured by Russians or still remaining in Finnish Arsenals. This particular pistol is all original and matching, retaining 90-95% of its blue, with a beautiful profile but some thinning to the straps. These guns were different from the later variations in its contour of the top of the slide, in addition to having a shoulder stock lug. This gun is correctly proofed, with small parts properly serialized. These early guns were not SA marked, as that directive came after they were distributed to the troops. Excellent VKT marked grips without defects. Excellent bore. The L-35 Lahti was built like a tank with an accelerator installed to assist in returning the slide to battery in frigid winter weather. One of the rarest military guns to find in this country, it can be a centerpiece of any WWII collection.