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Title:	PISTOL, SEMI-AUTOMATIC -  ITALIAN PISTOL BERETTA MODEL 318 6.35MM SN# 648807
Maker/Manufacturer:	BERETTA, PIETRO
Date of Manufacture:	1935-1946
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 1024
Measurements:	OL: 11.4CM 4 1/2" BL: 6.3CM 2 1/2" 14 oz.

Object Description:

ITALIAN PISTOL BERETTA MODEL 318 6.35MM SN# 648807
Manufactured by Pietro Beretta SpA, Gardone Val Trompia, Italy - Commercial Italian semi-automatic pistol with 8-round detachable box magazine. Blued finish. Two piece checkered plastic grips. Fixed sights. Grip safety rear of butt. Improved version of M1919 with butt reshaped for better grip. Weapon weighs approximately 14 oz.

Markings:
Frame: 648807. F in circle, proofmarks.
Slide: 648807. P. BERETTA - CAL. 6.35 - BREVET. GARDONE V.T., .
Grips: PB in circle.

Notes: This was simply a small caliber version of the standard Beretta blowback pistol. Cosmetic alterations during its life have created several recognizable sub-varieties. Significant numbers used as personal weapon by Italian officers in World War II. Weapon manufactured from 1935 to 1946. Weapon known as "Panther" in the United States.

"In the United States it is known as the "Panther." Manufactured between 1935 and 1946." - Schwing

References:
Schwing, Ned. 1998 STANDARD CATALOG OF FIREARMS. 8th Ed. Krause Publications. Iola, Wi. 1998.
Wood, J.B. BERETTA AUTOMATIC PISTOLS. THE COLLECTOR'S AND SHOOTER'S COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE. Stackpole Books. Harrisburg, Pa. 1985.

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