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LOT 399
Exceptional Valmet (VKT) Lahti L-39 Semi-Automatic Anti-Tank Rifle, Class III/NFA Destructive Device,
with Transit Chest, Extra Magazines and Ammunition - Serial no. 709, 20 mm cal., 51 2/10 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, metal stock, hardwood grips. Introduced in 1939 and rushed into service for the Winter War, also seeing
use in the subsequent Continuation War, the Lahti L-39 fires a 20mm anti-tank round from a top-loaded magazine
and was capable of successfully engaging the Soviet armor of the era. It was fielded under the nomenclature
“20 pst kiv/39” (as seen on this example). Measuring taller than a man and weighing in at close to 110 pounds,
the L-39 is fitted with a ported muzzle brake, perforated hardwood barrel shroud, left-offset blade and tangent
sights, a dual-mode green painted bipod with brass covered wood skids and swing-out spiked legs,
crank-action cocking handle, smooth hardwood grips with an oversized steel guard surrounding the
trigger guard to protect the hand, hardwood cheek piece, and an adjustable rubber recoil pad. The
left side of the receiver bears the military nomenclature, “VKT” logo, and “SA” Finnish Army acceptance
mark. Matching serial number “709” marked on the receiver, trigger housing assembly, and buttstock
mount. The arsenal replacement barrel is numbered “743” at the breech. Included with the lot is
an original green painted hardwood transit chest, four green painted metal magazine cases, eight
magazines in total and 10 rounds of live German gray-tip 20x138mmB ammunition with individual
cardboard sleeves.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall, retains 85% arsenal refinished blue finish, showing mild
spotting on the barrel and frame suggestive of some wartime use in the snowy climates of Finland,
areas of brown patina, and scattered handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The included crate
and accessories are all very fine. NOTE: This Destructive Device is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully
transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,
(BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.
Estimate: 17,000 - 25,000
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