Bulgarian, Cold War - c.1993,  Arsenal Makarov PM 9×18mm Semi-Automatic Pistol with Soviet Leningrad Officer's Holster, Belt & Harness, Serial No. KO331149, Old Spec Deactivated

*Bulgarian, Cold War - c.1993,  Arsenal Makarov PM 9×18mm Semi-Automatic Pistol with Soviet Leningrad Officer's Holster, Belt & Harness, Serial No. KO331149, Old Spec Deactivated*

- Bulgarian Arsenal (Circle 10) Makarov PM semi-automatic pistol, serial no. KO331149
- Chambered in 9×18mm Makarov with 90mm barrel
- Under the widely accepted Bulgarian Arsenal serial numbering system, the '33' year code is generally attributed to 1993 production, although Arsenal has never formally published its serial number dating methodology
- Complete with original Soviet Leningrad-manufactured officer's black leather holster, matching belt and shoulder harness
- Holster and belt factory stamped August 1980 with Soviet OTK military acceptance marks
- Original brown Bakelite grips with moulded star emblems and military lanyard ring
- Supplied with a period military magazine
- UK Old Specification Birmingham Proof House deactivation with moving slide and dry-fire action

An original Bulgarian Arsenal-manufactured Makarov PM semi-automatic service pistol, complete with an authentic Soviet officer's leather holster, matching belt and shoulder harness, forming an attractive and complete Cold War Warsaw Pact display ensemble.

Chambered for the 9×18mm Makarov cartridge, the pistol bears serial number KO331149 on both the frame and slide. The frame is stamped with the distinctive Circle 10 Arsenal factory mark, identifying manufacture at the State Arsenal factory, Kazanlak, Bulgaria. Under the widely accepted Bulgarian Arsenal serial numbering system, the '33' year code within the serial number is generally attributed to 1993 production, although this dating convention is based upon established collector research rather than an officially published factory serial number key.

The pistol retains its original military black finish and is fitted with its original brown moulded Bakelite grips incorporating the characteristic five-pointed star roundels. The exposed hammer, fixed military sights, heel-mounted magazine catch and military lanyard ring all remain present.

Also included is a period military steel magazine. The magazine is electro-pencilled 1854-1, reflecting the routine interchange of magazines during military service, a common occurrence with Warsaw Pact service sidearms.

The accompanying black leather holster and matching officer's belt retain clear Soviet factory ink stamps reading "ЛЕНИНГРАД" (Leningrad) and "Марксист" (Marxist), identifying manufacture by the Marxist Leather Production Association, Leningrad, USSR. Both are stamped "1980 г. VIII" (August 1980) together with the Soviet "ОТК-1" (Otdel Tekhnicheskogo Kontrolya – Technical Quality Control Department No. 1) acceptance mark, confirming official military inspection and quality control prior to issue.

Approximate Measurements: Overall length: 16cm. Barrel length: 90mm. Calibre: 9×18mm Makarov

History Note:
Designed by Nikolay Makarov and adopted by the Soviet Union in 1951, the PM Makarov replaced the Tokarev TT-33 as the standard Soviet military sidearm. Renowned for its simplicity, reliability and ease of maintenance, it became one of the most successful military pistols of the Cold War, serving not only throughout the Soviet armed forces but also across the Warsaw Pact and numerous allied nations worldwide.

Bulgaria manufactured the Makarov under Soviet licence at the Arsenal factory in Kazanlak. Bulgarian-produced examples are particularly well regarded by collectors for their high manufacturing quality and excellent machining while remaining fully interchangeable with Soviet and other licensed production.

The accompanying leather equipment was manufactured in Leningrad, USSR, in August 1980 by the Marxist Leather Production Association. Although Soviet-made rather than Bulgarian, such equipment was fully compatible with Makarov service pistols and represents an authentic period Cold War officer's rig. Mixed combinations of pistols and field equipment from different Warsaw Pact arsenals were commonplace during military service and subsequent armoury use.

*Condition*
Presented in very good overall condition with honest military service wear throughout. The original military finish remains well preserved with only light handling marks and minor edge wear consistent with military use. All factory markings, serial numbers and the Circle 10 Arsenal factory mark remain sharp and clearly legible. The original brown Bakelite grips remain free from cracks and retain crisp moulded star emblems. The supplied magazine displays expected military service wear together with its electro-pencilled inventory number. The slide retracts fully but remains held to the rear until the magazine is released, reflecting the old specification deactivation method. The trigger may be operated without cycling the slide, allowing the hammer to cock and dry-fire. The magazine may be removed normally.

The leather holster, belt and shoulder harness remain complete and supple, exhibiting only light age-related wear and minor scuffing consistent with service use. Stitching remains intact throughout, brass fittings display an attractive natural patina, and the original Soviet factory and inspection stamps remain clear and legible within both the holster and belt. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

Deactivation:
Deactivated to UK Old Specification and accompanied by its original Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House Deactivation Certificate (Certificate No. 98243), dated 21 April 2011. The certificate records the pistol as a Bulgarian Makarov, serial number KO331149, chambered in 9mm Makarov with a 90mm barrel.

RQMHOOXAAOO_5525248235