Soviet, WW2 - Dated 1945, TT-33 Tokarev Semi-Automatic Pistol, Izhevsk Arsenal, Matching Nos ХБ 2983, Old Spec Deactivated

*Soviet, WW2 - Dated 1945, TT-33 Tokarev Semi-Automatic Pistol, Izhevsk Arsenal,  Matching Nos ХБ 2983, Old Spec Deactivated*

An original Second World War Soviet TT-33 Tokarev semi-automatic pistol manufactured at the Izhevsk Arsenal in 1945, retaining matching visible serial numbers and accompanied by its Birmingham Proof House old-specification deactivation certificate dated 2003.

The left side of the frame is crisply stamped with the serial number “ХБ 2983” followed by the distinctive Izhevsk triangle-and-arrow arsenal emblem and the wartime production date “1945”. The clean, uniform strike depth of the serial numbering is entirely consistent with original factory application rather than later refurbishment or force-matching.

The pistol exhibits numerous highly desirable late-war Soviet production characteristics throughout. The slide retains the classic wide vertical rear serrations associated with simplified wartime manufacture, introduced to accelerate output during the final stages of the Great Patriotic War. Distinct horizontal machining and tooling marks remain visible across the frame and slide surfaces, particularly surrounding the serial number area, reflecting authentic wartime Soviet finishing methods where production speed took precedence over cosmetic refinement.

Further dense clusters of original Soviet factory inspection and acceptance marks remain visible around the left forward trigger guard web area. These include vertically struck “0” over “И” Cyrillic inspection proofs together with additional sub-assembly verification marks and chevron-style acceptance stamps. Heavy diagonal wartime grinding and shaping marks remain clearly visible in this area, further reinforcing authentic 1945 Soviet production methodology where cosmetic finishing was deliberately minimized to maximize wartime output.

The pistol retains a substantial amount of its original wartime blued finish with honest edge wear and holster rubbing to the high points, entirely consistent with military service use. Importantly, the metal surfaces do not display the thick black over-refinished appearance commonly encountered on post-war Soviet refurbished imports.

The original wartime vertically-ribbed wooden grip panels remain securely fitted and display deep aged coloration together with expected handling wear and service patina. The lower left grip frame, directly adjacent to the lanyard loop, retains further crisp hand-struck Soviet factory quality control (OTK) inspection marks, including a stylized Cyrillic character and a distinct sub-inspector chevron stamp.

This example remains especially desirable as an older-specification UK deactivation retaining full moving slide operation together with functioning trigger and hammer mechanism. The slide locks rearward correctly and the pistol cocks and dry-fires, allowing the exposed barrel and internal movement to remain visible for display and handling purposes.

The frame and slide display matching serial numbers, while the included period-correct Soviet magazine is correctly non-matching and numbered “M1442”. The magazine retains visible Soviet inspection and acceptance markings, including a distinctive rhombus enclosing a Cyrillic-style proof mark together with an additional crescent inspector’s stamp. The body exhibits the rough textured wartime steel finish typical of Soviet wartime magazine production, where components were rapidly stamped and blued with minimal polishing. The original floorplate loop base remains intact. The magazine loop allowed: easier withdrawal of the magazine from pouches while wearing gloves, tying the magazine to field equipment or retention cords and sometimes aided rapid manual extraction if mud, debris, or cold conditions made removal difficult.

Approx. Measurements – Overall Length: 19.5 cm. Barrel Length: 11.5 cm.

History Note:
The Tokarev TT-33 was the standard Soviet military sidearm of the Second World War and saw extensive service with Red Army officers, tank crews, political officers, and specialist troops throughout the Eastern Front. Designed by Fedor Tokarev as an evolution of the earlier TT-30, the pistol chambered the powerful 7.62×25mm cartridge and became one of the most recognizable Soviet handguns of the war.

This particular example was manufactured at the Izhevsk Arsenal, identified by the distinctive triangle-and-arrow arsenal emblem stamped beside the serial number. Wartime Izhevsk-produced TT-33 pistols are encountered less frequently than Tula Arsenal examples and are especially sought after when retaining matching numbers, original finish characteristics, and older-specification deactivation functionality.

Manufacture dated 1945 places this pistol at the very end of the Second World War during the final Soviet offensives into Eastern Europe and Germany.

*Condition*
A strong and highly displayable wartime example retaining much of its original blued finish throughout. The pistol exhibits honest military wear including edge thinning, handling marks, scattered surface scratching, and light finish loss consistent with wartime service and storage. Distinct wartime machining, grinding, and inspection marks remain clearly visible throughout the metalwork. The slide operates smoothly and locks rearward correctly, while the pistol cocks and dry-fires under its old-specification deactivation standard. Matching serial numbers remain visible to the frame and slide, while the magazine is correctly non-matching and numbered “M1442”. The original wooden grips remain complete, secure, and well-aged with attractive service patina. The Birmingham Proof House deactivation certificate accompanies the pistol. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

Deactivation Certificate Details:
The included Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House deactivation certificate records the pistol as a TT33 Semi Automatic Pistol, serial number XB2983, chambered in 7.62mm × 25, with an 11.5 cm barrel length, listed as Russian manufacture, and certified on 02/05/2003.

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