SN 984068 (dated 1943) .380 cal.
Range property numbers : 0100-0597
A scarce animal !
According to author Jan Still in Axis Pistols (p. 314), « About 500 Berettas were supplied to the paramilitary Finnish Defense Corps. »
Engraved on left frame : Sk.Y (for Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta, i.e. the General HQ of Defense Corps), property nr. 0316
Other translations : Civil Guard, Protective Guard. To be compared to US National Guard (in USA) or Home Guard (in Britain during WW2)
Finnish Civil Guard was disbanded in 1944 and its pistols ended up to Finnish Army. After WW2 Finnish Army inventory pistols M/34 remained warehoused until 1986. (Then, I assume, sold to public market, including Canada where the pistol found a new home)
Historical references : http://www.mosinnagant.net/finland/t...doffinland.asp
http://www.jaegerplatoon.net/PISTOLS4.htm
For your appreciation, fellow collectors
