*Italian, Inter-War 1938-XVI, Beretta Model 1934 Semi-Automatic Pistol, 9mm Corto (.380 ACP), Matching Serial No. 702273, Regio Esercito Marked, Old Spec Deactivated*
An original Italian Beretta Model 1934 semi-automatic service pistol chambered in 9mm Corto (.380 ACP), manufactured by Pietro Beretta at Gardone Val Trompia and dated 1938-XVI under the Fascist calendar system. This example retains matching serial number “702273” to both the slide and frame and remains in highly desirable early UK old-specification deactivated condition with functioning moving parts.
The left side of the slide is crisply marked “P. BERETTA - CAL. 9 CORTO - Mo 1934 - BREVETTATO” above “GARDONE V.T. 1938-XVI,” confirming pre-war manufacture during the sixteenth year of Mussolini’s Fascist regime. The frame retains the crowned “RE” Regio Esercito acceptance stamp, the standard Royal Italian Army military inspection marking encountered on service-issued Beretta pistols of the period.
The serial number range is entirely consistent with documented 1938 Beretta Model 1934 production, with serial number 702273 falling squarely within the correct pre-war manufacturing block produced at Gardone Val Trompia. The matching slide and frame serial numbers additionally display the correct deeply struck, straight-sided factory numbering style characteristic of pre-war Beretta production quality, further supporting the pistol’s originality and matching status. The frame also retains the small British commercial proof house crossed-swords stamp dated “96” directly above the serial number, corresponding with its 1996 Birmingham Proof House deactivation certification.
The pistol retains its original black metal-backed Bakelite/hard plastic grip panels correctly displaying the moulded circular “PB” Pietro Beretta monogram. The grips remain notably well preserved for their age, seating tightly against the frame with no significant shrinkage, cracking, or warping visible. The original military lanyard ring remains present and intact to the heel of the frame.
Also retained is the correct military-pattern magazine fitted with the distinctive extended finger-rest base designed to improve handling of the compact pistol frame. The magazine body features the proper elongated witness window cut-outs exposing the magazine spring, entirely consistent with wartime Beretta Model 1934 production. No external serial numbers or additional markings are visible on the magazine body.
Approx. Measurements: Barrel length: 3.25 inches.
Historical Note:
The Beretta Model 1934 became the principal sidearm of the Italian armed forces during the Second World War and saw extensive service with the Regio Esercito, Blackshirt militia formations, air force personnel, naval troops, and police units across North Africa, the Balkans, and the Italian mainland. Highly regarded for its compact dimensions, reliability, and robust construction, the M1934 remained in Italian military and police service for decades after the war and remains one of the most recognisable Axis military pistols of the Second World War.
*Condition*
The pistol remains in good original condition displaying honest wartime and service wear throughout. Metal surfaces show thinning original finish, age-related handling marks, scattered oxidation, and attractive natural plum-brown and grey patination across the slide and frame. Markings remain crisp and clearly legible throughout, including the slide legends, serial numbers, crowned “RE” military acceptance mark, and British proof/deactivation stamps. The original grip panels remain secure and structurally sound, and the original red paint remains visibly retained within the “F” (Fuoco) safety recess. Matching serial numbers remain clearly visible to both slide and frame. The pistol retains old-specification deactivation functionality with the slide moving freely, the pistol cocking and dry-firing correctly, and the magazine removable. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Deactivation Certificate Details:
Deactivated to UK specification with accompanying Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House certificate dated 14/06/1996 (Spec ‘A’). Certificate number DA76401 records the pistol as a Beretta automatic pistol, serial number 702273, calibre 9mm, with a 3.25-inch barrel, country of origin Italy.
JAQ#CHO_010720263296
