*Russian / Soviet, WW2-Dated 1943, Tokarev TT-33 Semi-Automatic Pistol, 7.62×25mm, Matching Nos СП7230, Izhevsk Arsenal, Old Spec Deactivated*
An original Soviet Tokarev TT-33 semi-automatic service pistol chambered in 7.62×25mm Tokarev, manufactured at the Izhevsk Arsenal and dated 1943. The pistol retains matching serial number “СП7230” to the slide, frame, and magazine base, making this a highly desirable fully matching wartime example.
The left side of the frame and slide display the correct Izhevsk triangle-with-arrow arsenal emblem together with the 1943 production date and sharply struck Cyrillic serial markings. Numerous smaller Soviet factory inspection and acceptance marks remain visible throughout the frame and slide assembly, entirely consistent with wartime production.
This example retains its original black ribbed grip panels featuring the moulded Soviet star-and-CCCP motif, together with the correct wartime lanyard-loop magazine. The grips remain especially well preserved, displaying sharp moulded detail and the correct stippled star roundel with Cyrillic “С-С-С-Р” lettering representing the Soviet Union.
Particularly desirable is the apparent retention of the original wartime finish and matching wartime magazine, as many surviving TT-33 pistols encountered today were later arsenal refurbished, force-matched, or rebuilt during post-war Soviet service life. The pistol also displays the simplified machining and finishing characteristics associated with mid-war Soviet wartime production, including visible machining lines beneath the blued finish and simplified wide rear slide serrations.
Approx. Measurements: 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 recognisable Soviet handguns of the war.
Manufacture dated 1943 places this pistol at the height of the German-Soviet conflict during some of the most intense fighting on the Eastern Front, shortly after the Battle of Stalingrad and during the major Soviet offensives that would ultimately force German forces westward across Eastern Europe. Pistols produced during this period were manufactured under immense wartime pressure, often displaying the simplified machining and finishing traits now closely associated with authentic mid-war Soviet production.
*Condition*
The pistol remains in very good overall condition with an attractive original wartime blued finish showing honest service and handling wear throughout. Markings remain sharp and clearly legible, including the serial number, 1943 production date, and Izhevsk arsenal proof. Fine wartime machining marks remain visible beneath the finish in several areas of the frame and slide.
The grip panels remain structurally sound with excellent definition to the Soviet CCCP star motifs and only minor age-related wear visible. Light scratches, edge wear, handling marks, and small areas of finish thinning are present consistent with military service and storage. The matching magazine remains in similarly good condition with clearly struck serial markings to the base. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Deactivation Certificate Details:
Deactivated to UK old-specification standards with accompanying Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House certificate dated 30/01/2008, certificate number 69370. Recorded as a Tokarev TT33 semi-automatic pistol in 7.62mm calibre with serial number 7230 and country of origin listed as Russia. Unlike current-specification examples, the older specification retains much of the pistol’s original handling character, with the slide retracting correctly under spring pressure while the pistol cocks and dry-fires.
