This is an exceptional example of a scarce pre-World War II Beretta Model 38A submachine gun. This model was actually a newly designed SMG that combined some attributes of the early Italian Villar-Perosa and later Bergmann/Schmeisser submachine guns. They were manufactured using all fully machined and hand fitted internal parts with an excellent all blued metal finish and Italian walnut buttstock. They gained a reputation of being an excellent and highly reliable weapon that was used by the Italian Carabinieri Police and Italian Special military units (fascist Black Shirts) as well as numerous German units during the Italian campaign in 1942/43. They were also used in an updated version after WWII by the Italian Army until the early 1950s. This model is easily identified by the "four-slot" internal muzzle break with its full length perforated barrel jacket. It is fitted with a blade front sight and military tangent rear sight graduated 1-5 (100-500) meters. It has a unique double trigger firing mechanism in that the rear trigger is fully automatic while the front trigger is the semi-automatic mode. It features a large ejection port on the left side of the receiver, with a non-reciprocating cocking knob on the right. The top of the receiver tube is marked "MOSCHETTO-AUT.-MOD.38A-Cal.9-BREVET.N.828-428/X.T.L./P.BERETTA-GARDONE V.T.-ITALIA-1943-XXI". The left side of the receiver has a "F" and "S" markings for the fire and safe position and it has all matching serial numbers on the front and rear ends of the receiver and buttstock. Magazine absent; however, they can be located on the secondary market.

Excellent with 95% of the original blue finish overall, minor edge and high spot wear overall, and slight more wear and blue loss on the end cap of the receiver and buttplate. The stock is also in excellent condition with a nice oil finish showing minor handling marks on the sides mixed with a couple minor pressure dents and a distinct serial number stamping and small factory proof mark. This is a really solid and robust weapon with a hefty feel and sure smooth hand cycling action! NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.