Soviet/Russian, WW2- Dated 1944г, PPS-43 7.62×25mm Tokarev Submachine Gun, Matching Serial No. ФШ 540 (OW540), UK Deactivated - 2

*Soviet/Russian, WW2- Dated 1944г, PPS-43 7.62×25mm Tokarev Submachine Gun, Matching Serial No. ФШ 540 (OW540), UK Deactivated*

- Second World War Soviet production, clearly dated 1944г.
- Matching factory serial number ФШ 540 to both barrel shroud and cocking handle.
- Original wartime stamped-steel folding stock configuration.
- Original Soviet synthetic grip panels with wartime moulded markings.
- Correct 35-round box magazine retaining ЛМ manufacturer's marking.
- Original Birmingham Proof House deactivation certificate dated 17 September 2009.

An original Soviet PPS-43 (Pistolet-Pulemyot Sudayeva Model 1943) submachine gun manufactured during the Second World War and clearly dated 1944г, retaining the matching factory serial number ФШ 540 on both the barrel shroud and the face of the cocking handle. Accompanied by its original Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House Deactivation Certificate, this is an excellent example of one of the Soviet Union's most successful wartime submachine guns.

This example retains its original stamped steel receiver, ventilated barrel jacket, integral top-folding steel stock, protected front sight, flip rear sight, original trigger guard and safety mechanism, together with its detachable 35-round box magazine. The original black moulded synthetic grip panels remain fitted, retaining the distinctive wartime Soviet moulded diamond-and-C motif together with the factory mould mark.

The barrel shroud is clearly stamped 1944г (1944 year of manufacture), while the matching serial number ФШ 540 is repeated on the cocking handle. The accompanying magazine bears the oval ЛМ manufacturer's mark together with the number 2 stamped into the baseplate.

Approximate Measurements: Overall length (stock folded): approximately 615 mm. Overall length (stock extended): approximately 815 mm. Barrel length: 250 mm. Calibre: 7.62×25mm Tokarev

History Note:
The PPS-43 was designed by Soviet engineer Alexei Ivanovich Sudayev during the Siege of Leningrad and officially adopted by the Red Army in 1943. Developed as a lighter, simpler and more economical alternative to the PPSh-41, it featured an innovative stamped-steel construction that dramatically reduced production time and material costs while maintaining exceptional reliability under frontline conditions.

Chambered for the standard 7.62×25mm Tokarev cartridge and fitted with a compact folding stock, the PPS-43 was ideally suited to reconnaissance units, armoured vehicle crews, airborne troops and assault formations operating in confined spaces. Although the PPSh-41 remained the Soviet Union's principal submachine gun throughout the war, the PPS-43 earned an outstanding reputation for its ruggedness, ease of manufacture and practical battlefield performance, becoming one of the most efficient and influential military firearm designs of the Second World War.

Following the war the design continued in production across the Eastern Bloc, but genuine wartime Soviet-manufactured examples such as this are considerably scarcer than the more commonly encountered post-war Polish and Chinese production guns.

*Condition*
Presented in very good original military condition with honest wartime and service wear throughout. The original military finish displays expected thinning, handling marks and edge wear entirely consistent with prolonged military use while retaining an attractive overall appearance. The folding stock locks securely in both the folded and extended positions. The barrel jacket, sights, trigger guard, magazine catch and receiver remain complete and undamaged. The original black synthetic grip panels remain particularly well preserved, retaining crisp moulded chequering together with the distinctive wartime Soviet diamond-and-C motif. The barrel shroud is clearly dated 1944г, while the matching factory serial number ФШ 540 is crisply stamped on both the barrel shroud and the face of the cocking handle. The reverse of the cocking handle retains an earlier lined-out Soviet serial number, a characteristic feature of Soviet arsenal refurbishment, where serviceable components were renumbered during military overhaul. Numerous Soviet inspection and acceptance marks remain visible throughout the receiver and component parts. Mechanically, under its current UK deactivation specification, the trigger moves freely and the detachable magazine removes and refits correctly. The firearm has otherwise been deactivated in accordance with Birmingham Proof House requirements. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition report.

Deactivation Details:
Deactivated by the Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House and accompanied by its original Deactivation Certificate dated 17 September 2009, Certificate No. CG85144. The certificate records the firearm as a "Sub Machine Gun – PPSh 43", serial number OW540, calibre 7.62 mm, barrel length 250 mm, and country of origin Russia. The description "PPSh 43" reflects the terminology used by the Proof House rather than the correct Soviet designation PPS-43. Likewise, the recorded serial number OW540 is the Proof House's Latin-character transcription of the original Cyrillic factory serial ФШ 540, which remains clearly stamped on the firearm.

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