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  • Auction Catalog #59
  • Lot #306
Lot #305
Lot #307

Lot 306: Valmet Inc L39 Cannon Destructive Device 20 mm (Cannon)

Exceptional Finnish Pre-World War II L-39 20mm Cannon with Spare Magazines, Ammunition, Mount/Sled, and Field Armorers/Cleaning Kit

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 15, 2013

Lot 306: Valmet Inc L39 Cannon Destructive Device 20 mm (Cannon)

Exceptional Finnish Pre-World War II L-39 20mm Cannon with Spare Magazines, Ammunition, Mount/Sled, and Field Armorers/Cleaning Kit

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 15, 2013

Estimated Price: $14,000 - $22,500

Exceptional Finnish Pre-World War II L-39 20mm Cannon with Spare Magazines, Ammunition, Mount/Sled, and Field Armorers/Cleaning Kit

Manufacturer: Valmet Inc
Model: L39 Cannon
Type: Destructive Device
Gauge: 20 mm (Cannon)
Barrel: 51 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock:
Item Views: 6508
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 80
Class: Class III
Description:

This is another exceptional example of these massive 20mm cannons we have for sale in this auction. This example was manufactured by the Valmet factory in Finland circa 1939/40 timeframe. These cannons were very similar in application to the Swiss Solothurn and German Rheinmetall 20mm cannons also made during this same timeframe. Initially they were an anti-tank weapon, however the numerous advancements of tank armor eventually rendered them somewhat ineffective against tanks however they were used very effectively against artillery and gun emplacements, personnel carriers and half-tracks, pill boxes, sniping, and general gun emplacements. The effective range of these cannons was probably 1,500-2,000 meters, so it’s a big boy's toy. These weapons were beautifully machined and manufactured with all forged parts, that were 100% machined and fitted to exacting tolerances. They have an all blue metal finish with the complete bolt assembly left in the white. The side of the receiver is marked: "20 Pst Kiv/39" over the hexagonal shaped "VKT" markings of the Valmet factory followed by the boxed "SA" Finnish Army proof. The top of the barrel is stamped with the same hexagonal "VKT" markings over 3076, which is not uncommon as the Finnish Government reworked all of these cannons after WWII and reinstalled serviceable barrels on serviceable guns. These are easy to distinguish as they had a full length wooden heat shield that covered the barrel and were fitted with a 5-port muzzle break. This wonderful cannon is complete with 8 original L-39 magazines stored in four steel magazine carriers, an original front mount/sled with the original matching numbered cleaning/armorers kit that is complete with the cleaning rods, brushes, ruptured shell extractor, a small box full of small replacement parts, spare firing pins, etc. and 56 rounds of (live) blue tip 20mm ammunition. The headstamp on the ammunition is "20/40 T/41".

Rating Definition:

Very fine with 95% of the blue/black finish on the metal parts except the bolt assembly as noted above. The various other accessories and parts are all excellent, and this rare canon has all matching visible numbered parts on the receiver and trigger group. An excellent opportunity to obtain one of these beautiful long range WWII cannons. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), Class 3 Weapon, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) as a "Destructive Device" under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. Before bidding on this weapon is it the sole responsibility and obligation of the bidder to understand and comply with all the State and Federal transfer laws and restrictions that apply in their current place of residence.



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