Soviet Red Army, Interwar- 1935, Tokarev TT-30 Pistol - Scarce Transitional 2nd Variation, Tula Arsenal, Serial no 20272, EU/UK Deactivated

*Soviet Red Army, Interwar- 1935, Tokarev TT-30 Pistol - Scarce Transitional 2nd Variation, Tula Arsenal, Serial no 20272, EU/UK Deactivated*

An original and scarce Soviet Tokarev TT-30 semi-automatic service pistol chambered in 7.62×25mm Tokarev, manufactured at Tula in 1935 and representing the desirable Second Variation TT30 transitional pattern produced immediately prior to full TT33 adoption.

The pistol retains numerous early Soviet inspection and acceptance features throughout, including repeated five-pointed Soviet star cartouches, pre-war Tula arsenal-style markings, and multiple crossed-hammer inspection stamps marked “D / A”. The serial “20272” is crisply repeated across the left side of the pistol and along the rear backstrap tang, indicating original numbered major components remaining together.

The barrel assembly is separately numbered “23444” and dated 1935, indicating a period arsenal replacement or refit component fitted during Soviet service life. The exposed chamber area displays additional Soviet proof and acceptance marks, including repeated pre-war inspection stamps and arsenal emblems consistent with 1930s Soviet military manufacture.

The black ribbed grip panels remain intact and correctly feature the moulded Soviet star insignia. The pistol is accompanied by a period Soviet magazine separately numbered ‘1446’ to the base plate, together with additional Soviet inspection markings. The magazine floorplate additionally shows visible deactivation welding consistent with its certified EU/UK deactivated status.

The right side of the frame is marked “Cat.2878”, likely an importer, dealer, or catalogue inventory marking applied during its later civilian collector history. Modern Birmingham Proof House EU deactivation stamps are present to the frame and barrel assembly, together with the accompanying Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House deactivation certificate numbered 155721 dated 17/06/2020.

Approx. Measurements – Overall length: 19.5 cm. Barrel length listed on certificate: 110 mm.

History Note:
The Tokarev TT-30 was the Soviet Union’s first large-scale domestically produced self-loading military pistol, developed by Fedor Tokarev and officially adopted in 1930. Early TT-30 pistols such as this 1935-dated example are significantly less common than later wartime TT-33 variants, as many were rebuilt, lost during the Second World War, or updated to later specifications during Soviet arsenal refurbishment programmes.

These early pistols retain several distinctive manufacturing and machining characteristics associated with pre-war Soviet arms production, including finer machining, deeper blued finishes, and extensive inspection markings. The TT series would go on to become one of the most influential military pistols of the 20th century, seeing service throughout WWII, the Eastern Front, Korea, Vietnam, and across numerous Warsaw Pact nations.

*Condition*
Presented in solid, untouched collector condition with an attractive honest military appearance throughout. The metal surfaces retain a substantial amount of their original dark blued finish with scattered edge wear, handling marks, thinning, and areas of light oxidation and surface freckling consistent with age and service use. The grip panels remain structurally sound with good definition to the Soviet star motifs. Numerous original Soviet inspection and acceptance marks remain visible throughout the pistol, including repeated stars and crossed-hammer proof marks.

The slide manually retracts but does not lock open or hold rearward. The pistol does not cock or dry-fire. The barrel and magazine show visible deactivation work consistent with the accompanying Birmingham Proof House EU specification deactivation certificate dated 2020. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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