Soviet/Russian, WW2-1944, M1895 Nagant Revolver, Izhevsk Arsenal, 7.62×38mmR, Matching Serial No. OT527, Old-Spec Deactivated - 23

*Soviet/Russian, WW2-1944, M1895 Nagant Revolver, Izhevsk Arsenal, 7.62×38mmR, Matching Serial No. OT527, Old-Spec Deactivated*

An original Second World War Soviet Model 1895 Nagant seven-shot service revolver, manufactured at the Izhevsk Arsenal in 1944 and retaining matching serial numbers together with highly desirable old-specification deactivation.

The left side of the frame is stamped with the distinctive Izhevsk Arsenal triangle-and-arrow emblem above the wartime date 1944г, the Cyrillic suffix "г" denoting "year". The revolver bears the serial number ОТ527, clearly stamped vertically to the forward left side of the frame and repeated on the cylinder, confirming matching numbered principal components.

The revolver retains its original military configuration, including the standard 5-inch barrel, seven-shot fluted cylinder, loading gate, ejector rod assembly, fixed blade front sight, chequered wooden grip panels and military lanyard ring. Numerous Soviet factory inspection and assembly marks remain visible throughout, including on the frame, barrel, cylinder, hammer, trigger guard, loading gate and internal components. The original barrel retains its crisp factory alignment witness marks, correctly matching those on the frame, together with faint Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House deactivation stamps applied during UK certification.

The Nagant's distinctive gas-seal operating system remains externally complete, with the cylinder moving forward as the hammer is cocked, one of the revolver's most unusual and technically advanced features.

Approx. Measurements: Barrel length: 5 inches (12.7 cm). Calibre: 7.62×38mmR Nagant

History Note:
Designed by the Belgian brothers Léon and Émile Nagant, the Model 1895 revolver entered Russian military service in 1895 and remained one of the longest-serving military revolvers ever adopted, seeing service through the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, the Russian Revolution, both World Wars and well into the Cold War.

Unlike conventional revolvers, the M1895 employed a unique gas-seal mechanism in which the cylinder moves forward as the hammer is cocked, allowing the specially designed 7.62×38mmR cartridge to seal against the barrel. This innovative system increased muzzle velocity and even permitted the effective use of a suppressor, something virtually unheard of for military revolvers of the period.

This example was manufactured at the Izhevsk Arsenal during 1944, confirmed by the triangle-and-arrow arsenal emblem together with the stamped date 1944г. Production during this period supported the Red Army's great offensives across Eastern Europe as Soviet forces drove towards Berlin. Although increasingly supplemented by the Tokarev TT-33 self-loading pistol, the Nagant remained widely issued to officers, military police, NKVD personnel, vehicle crews and rear-echelon troops throughout the conflict.

Retaining its wartime date, matching frame and cylinder serial numbers, original military configuration and desirable old-specification deactivation, this is an excellent representative example of one of the Soviet Union's most iconic military sidearms.

*Condition*
Presented in very good overall original wartime condition with an attractive military finish showing honest service wear throughout. The finish displays expected edge wear, light handling marks and small areas of surface oxidation consistent with military service and age, while remaining remarkably well preserved overall.

The Izhevsk arsenal emblem, 1944г date and serial number ОТ527 remain crisp and easily legible. The matching serial number on the cylinder is equally clear, accompanied by numerous Soviet factory inspection and assembly marks across the revolver. The original barrel retains its matching alignment witness marks together with faint Birmingham Proof House deactivation stamps.

The original wooden grip panels remain in good condition with strong chequering, displaying only moderate handling wear and minor knocks without significant cracks or repairs. The military lanyard ring remains correctly fitted to the butt.

Mechanically, the revolver retains excellent old-specification display functionality. The hammer cocks correctly in single action and releases cleanly, the revolver dry-fires, and the double-action trigger rotates, advances and releases the cylinder correctly. The loading gate opens normally, the ejector rod remains operational, and the cylinder rotates and indexes as intended. The cylinder remains retained within the frame and has not been forced for removal. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition report.

Deactivation Details:
Deactivated to desirable Old Specification standards and accompanied by its original Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House Deactivation Certificate dated 16 May 2005. The certificate records the firearm as a Nagant 1895 revolver, serial number 527, calibre 7.62mm, with a 5-inch barrel and country of origin listed as Russia, under certificate reference CG 49011. As was common British Proof House practice at the time, only the numeric portion of the serial number was entered on the certificate, omitting the original Cyrillic prefix ОТ stamped on the revolver itself.

This earlier specification deactivation retains substantially greater mechanical functionality than modern EU/UK-standard examples. The revolver cocks and dry-fires in single action, operates correctly in double action, rotates and indexes the cylinder, and retains a functioning loading gate and ejector rod, making it a particularly desirable collector’s display piece.

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