mawkie
C&R Whisperer
Didn't expect to get this one when I placed my absentee bids at auction last week. I was planning to make the long drive up to Scranton PA but a nasty cold put that idea to bed (along with me!). So when I placed my bids I decided to throw in a semi serious bid for this pristine post war L-35. Figured it would go for much more as I've watched these sell at auction for between $1500-$2300 in the last 3-4 years with the military issued examples fetching the high end and post war commercial the low.
Imagine my surprise when I was told that the L-35 was mine for my max proxy bid of $1350. With the 12% premium that came to $1512. And the L-35 came with a beautiful holster, two spare mags, tool, and cleaning rod. Score!
If you told me this pistol was unfired I would believe you. I'm not seeing any marks on the barrel ramp or bolt face indicating use. No import marks to be found, which is so nice.
SN places it near the end of production (approx 9300 built in total, production ending in the early 50s). Valmet had parts left over from their military contract and they ended up building about 2,000 for the commercial market. It is known as a Type 4 which has no shoulder stock lug and most of which had no loaded chamber indicator.
She's heavy and a handful. I own a Swedish M/40 Lahti and it's been a bear to get it working correctly. This L-35 won't be shot. It's going deep into the safe. If I want to shoot the M/40 will get hauled out!
Imagine my surprise when I was told that the L-35 was mine for my max proxy bid of $1350. With the 12% premium that came to $1512. And the L-35 came with a beautiful holster, two spare mags, tool, and cleaning rod. Score!
If you told me this pistol was unfired I would believe you. I'm not seeing any marks on the barrel ramp or bolt face indicating use. No import marks to be found, which is so nice.
SN places it near the end of production (approx 9300 built in total, production ending in the early 50s). Valmet had parts left over from their military contract and they ended up building about 2,000 for the commercial market. It is known as a Type 4 which has no shoulder stock lug and most of which had no loaded chamber indicator.
She's heavy and a handful. I own a Swedish M/40 Lahti and it's been a bear to get it working correctly. This L-35 won't be shot. It's going deep into the safe. If I want to shoot the M/40 will get hauled out!