April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Initially showing promise to combat enemy armored vehicles during the Continuation War, the L-39 rather quickly became obsolete for its intended purpose of being an anti-tank rifle due to advancements in tank and armor designs. Though no longer effective as an anti-tank rifle, the L-39 found effective usage as a means to attack enemy gun emplacements and bunkers, as well as counter snipe enemy snipers. This example, manufactured by VKT was subsequently converted to .50 BMG via the modification and installation of a Browning M2HB barrel. The left side of the receiver is stamped "20 pst.kiv./39" above a boxed Finnish "SA" property stamp, VKT's logo, as well as the serial number. Barrel exhibits a matte black painted finish, with the receiver retaining its original blue finish. Left side of receiver has been fitted with a custom made mount to accommodate a Simmon's 3x9x40 scope. This example is accompanied by the matching gas cylinder tube which was removed incidental to the conversion to .50 BMG, 1 additional bipod, 4 spare magazines housed within 2 transit chests, 1 cheek pad, as well as one Finnish armorers kit, and one gunner's cleaning kit. Additional parts included with this lot is a spare original 20 mm barrel, serial number 2985 and an original wooden shroud. This barrel appears completely serviceable and in extremely fine condition in and out with a fine bore. There is a second unserviceable 20 mm barrel which has been saw cut forward of the breech and has no serial number. CONDITION: Excellent, with metal components retaining the majority of their original blue finish. Barrel exhibits some wear and flaking showing through to silvering, but is otherwise fine. Brilliant mirror bore, exhibiting sharp and well defined lands and grooves throughout. Though normally classified as a Destructive Device under the scope of the NFA, this example is exempt due to its conversion to .50 BMG, making this an all the more desirable example of a VKT Lahti L-39 anti-tank rifle that will transfer as a rifle.
CORRECTION: Due to the unmodified internals and springs, this rifle functions as a manually operated rifle when firing .50 BMG. Title updated.
Accessories
4 Spare magazines, 2 Magazine transit carriers, cheek pad, 2 Armorers kits, Spare bipod