Italian, Cold War-1951, Beretta Model 4 (M38/44 Pattern) 9mm Submachine Gun, Matching Serial No. AH0323, Italian Pubblica Sicurezza (P.S.) Issue with Matching State Police Contract Magazine, EU/UK Deactivated

*Italian, Cold War-1951, Beretta Model 4 (M38/44 Pattern) 9mm Submachine Gun, Matching Serial No. AH0323, Italian Pubblica Sicurezza (P.S.) Issue with Matching State Police Contract Magazine, EU/UK Deactivated*

- Matching serial number AH0323 to receiver and buttstock
- Manufactured by Pietro Beretta, Gardone Val Trompia in 1951
- Official Moschetto Automatico Beretta Modello 4 (Model 4)
- Italian Pubblica Sicurezza (P.S.) police issue
- Original dual-trigger fire control (semi and automatic)
- Matching numbered police contract magazine
- Original 1951 Italian inspection and acceptance marks
- Retains original military walnut stock and magazine
- Complete with Birmingham Proof House EU/UK Deactivation Certificate (2024)

An original post-war Italian Beretta Model 4 (M38/44 pattern) 9mm submachine gun manufactured by Pietro Beretta in 1951, retaining matching serial number AH0323 together with numerous Italian police acceptance and inspection markings.

Although derived directly from the famous wartime M38/44, Beretta officially designated this refined post-war version the Model 4 (Mod.4). Built around the proven wartime design, it retained the renowned reliability and accuracy of the M38 series while incorporating the simplified manufacturing features introduced during the final years of the Second World War.

The top of the receiver is crisply roll marked:
MOSCH. AUTOM. "BERETTA" MOD.4 CAL. 9 - 1951
confirming both the model designation and year of manufacture. Mosch.Autom stands for Moschetto Automatico (Automatic Musket/Submachine Gun). The receiver is serial numbered AH0323, with the same serial hand-stamped into the left side of the walnut buttstock.

The receiver also carries the P.S. ownership stamp identifying issue to the Pubblica Sicurezza, the Italian State Police, together with Italian proof marks including EU/GB Birmingham validation stamps following deactivation. The walnut buttstock retains additional service markings including a neatly carved P.S. ownership roundel on the right side and on the left hand side - the boxed FAG 51 acceptance mark, confirming inspection during 1951 manufacture. There is a further FAG stamp on the magazine housing. FAG stands for Fabbrica d'Armi del Gianicolo (or the Gardone military arsenal inspectorate stamps). The 51 confirms the acceptance inspection year matches the 1951 manufacturing date.

The original detachable box magazine accompanies the gun and is correctly marked:
P.S. Contr. No. 2902
indicating its original Italian Public Security contract inventory number. Additional markings include an LP inspection stamp together with witness holes marked 10, 20 and 30 rounds.

Mechanically the Model 4 retains Beretta's distinctive dual-trigger arrangement, with the forward trigger originally providing semi-automatic fire and the rear trigger fully automatic fire. The characteristic simplified barrel profile and integral three-slot compensator identify it as the late M38/44 family rather than the earlier jacketed M38A series.

Approximate Measurements: Overall length: 77.5 cm. Barrel length: 9 inches. Calibre: 9mm

History Note:
The Beretta Model 4 represented the final evolution of one of the most respected submachine guns of the Second World War. Developed directly from the wartime MAB 38/44, it retained the exceptional quality and reliability that had earned Beretta weapons an international reputation while simplifying manufacture for post-war production.

Following the war, Italy's military and police forces required reliable small arms during the country's reconstruction. Beretta resumed production in 1949, officially redesignating the improved weapon as the Moschetto Automatico Beretta Modello 4. These arms saw extensive service with the Pubblica Sicurezza (Italian State Police), Carabinieri, prison authorities and other government agencies throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Unlike many wartime M38-series guns that experienced heavy military service, police-issued examples generally saw comparatively lighter operational use and often survive today in noticeably better condition. The clearly applied P.S. ownership marks found on this example firmly place it within that important chapter of post-war Italian policing during the early Cold War.

*Condition*
Presented in very good overall condition with honest service wear throughout. The original blued finish remains largely intact with expected thinning, edge wear and scattered handling marks accumulated during police service and subsequent storage. The walnut stock retains an attractive aged patina with the expected dents, scratches and handling marks associated with military and police use. The original inspection cartouches, serial number and ownership markings remain visible.

Receiver markings are sharp and legible, including the complete 1951 model designation, serial number and proof marks. The original detachable magazine remains with the gun and carries its matching police contract markings. In accordance with its current EU specification deactivation, the bolt moves but does not remain cocked, the trigger moves freely, and the magazine may be removed. The dual-trigger assembly remains present for display. Please see photographs as partof the condition report.

Deactivation:
Deactivated to current EU/UK specification and supplied with its original Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House Deactivation Certificate (Certificate No. 186162), dated 21 November 2024. The certificate records deactivation by D & B Militaria, Italy, identifying the firearm as a Beretta Sub Machine Gun, Model Beretta, calibre 9mm, serial number AH0323, with a 9-inch barrel. The firearm bears the corresponding EU/GB proof house validation marks.

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