December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2022
Designed by St. Etienne under specifications given by the French Ministry of War, the Model 1935S is far lesser known than that of its contemporary, the Model 1935A. While ultimately the Model 1935S was passed in favor of SACM’s 1935A design as the new regulation pistol, the French Army General of Staff showed concern towards SACM’s limited production capabilities, and dually adopted the Model 1935S. Few were produced before the Nazi invasion and subsequent occupation of France, with only 2 small batches being produced in 1944 shortly after Allied liberation. This example was produced in the 3rd and final batch of Model 1935S pistols that were manufactured at St. Etienne, indicative of its “F” serial number prefix. The left side of the slide is simply stamped “M.A.S.” with the right side being stamped "MODELE 1935S/ CAL. 7.65 L". Right side of frame bears the only observed serial number “F 880”. Metal components are blued, with the chamber indicator being strawed, and the trigger being in-the-white. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered black plastic grips. Pistol is accompanied by a French brown leather holster containing 2 spare magazines. CONDITION: Very good, with metal components retaining the majority of their original arsenal applied blue finish, exhibiting some areas of mild wear showing through to gray patina overall. Bright bore, exhibiting some mild inactive oxidation and retaining fair to good rifling throughout. Grips show scattered nicks and marks from storage and handling, but are otherwise fine. Holster is malleable, exhibiting some mild exterior wear, but is otherwise sturdy and serviceable. With only 6,626 1935S pistols manufactured by St. Etienne between 1939-1944, this makes for a very desirable example of a seldom encountered and lesser known wartime production French pistol. MLW
Accessories
Holster, 2 Spare magazines