This is an extremely rare example of a military pistol from the global pariah that is North Korea. These Type 66 pistols are a very close, upgraded variant of the Soviet produced TT-33 Tokarev pistols, and share many features with their communist brethren. The Type 66, like the TT-33, is a locked breech, short recoil, single action design, as well as having been slightly sized down. There are some minor differences and improvements as well, including a cam-cut lug on the bottom of the barrel more like the FN High Power rather than the swinging link of the TT-33 and Browning designed Model 1911. The magazine catch was relocated to the butt, hammer extended above the slide for easier singlehanded cocking, and the slide stop retention clip was removed from the right of the frame. The left side of the slide is marked "1966" followed by two Korean characters, a circled five-pointed star, and the serial number. It has blade front and notch rear sights, and a serrated rib running down the top of the slide. It is fitted with a pair of ribbed plastic grips with a five pointed star at the center and a lanyard loop on the left of the grip frame.

Very fine, retains 85% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a dull grey patina, primarily on the grip straps. The grips are also very fine with some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A rare opportunity to add an elusive North Korean military pistol to your collection!