Designed in the late 1960s, the PSM was originally conceived as a compact defensive weapon for generals and similar officers. Instead, the pistol found an audience with the law enforcement and intelligence communities, as the PSM was even more compact and concealable than the Makarov, measuring just over 5/8 inch thick at the grips and weighing in at just a hair over one pound. The cartridge, 5.45x18, is a tiny, bottlenecked centerfire round with a high velocity sufficient to penetrated light body armor. According to notes provided by the consignor, this example was presented to Leslie Aspin by an unknown party. A congressman from Wisconsin and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, he was President Bill Clinton's Secretary of Defense from January 1993 to February 1994. During his tenure as Secretary, Aspin was responsible for the "Don't Ask, Don’t Tell" policy on military homosexuality, canceled a draw-down of American forces in Korea due to North Korean nuclear provocation, and oversaw peacekeeping missions in Europe and Somalia; the latter is believed responsible for ending his career, as preparations prior to the Battle of Mogadishu were seen as incomplete. Fixed sights, with matching serial numbers on the slide and fame, the latter also bearing the Ishevsk Arsenal stamp and dated "87", The wraparound low-profile grips are lightly serrated, with a hole for a lanyard in the left side of the butt. Two matching numbered magazines are included, as is a hardwood display case.

Excellent. The pistol retains 99% plus original blue finish, showing some light wear and handling marks. The pistol has been disabled; the chamber of the barrel has been plugged, and the firing pin has been removed.