Polish German Radom FB VIS 35 Type II P35 9×19 Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $805

WOA#: WY240117SS002

Make: Fabryka Broni (Arms Factory), Radom, Poland.

Model: Vis. 35 (P35) Type II

Serial Number: J1877

Year of Manufacture: Post-1939

Caliber: 9x19mm (9mm Luger)

Action Type: Single action semi-automatic, 8 round detachable magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “FB RADOM VIS MOD.35.Pat.Nr 15567”, with a reichsadler, “P.35(P.)”, and with three waffenamts. The left side of the frame is marked with a waffenamt. The right side of the frame is marked “J1877”. The left side of the trigger is marked with a faint “S”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked “1” and with a couple faint proof marks. Both grip panels are marked with the FB Radom logo. The underside of the bolt is marked “J1877”. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “877” and with a reichsadler. The right side is marked with a waffenamt and “3”. The underside rear of the barrel is marked “8’82”. One of the magazines is marked “6000” and “E” on the spine, and with a waffenamt on the bottom of the floor plate.

Barrel Length: 4.6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short narrow blade integral to the rib on the slide. The rear sight is a v-notch dovetailed into the slide. There is a thin narrow rib running down the center of the entire length of the slide with a finely checkered finish.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black bakelite. There are small scuffs and scratches along the edges of the grip panels. Some of the peaks have been worn down. There is a small chip in the bottom of the right grip. The grips rate in about Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x 8 round magazines in Very Good Condition.

Type of Finish: Blue that has oxidized into a plum color.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined. There is moderate erosion in the bore. On the bottom right side there is a long drag mark that crosses over one of the grooves.

In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6.5 out of 10.

Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout. Nearly all of the blue finish has oxidized into a plum color. There is wear along the front edges of the slide. The interior of the slide and the slide rails on the frame show usage wear. There are areas of finish loss on the hammer.  The screw heads show light use. The pins are unmarred. The markings are legible, though some of the smaller waffenamts and proof marks are worn. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a black padded case with 2x magazines.

Our Assessment: This is an example of an FB Radom VIS 35 made during the German occupation of Poland. Known as the P35(P) in German service (which is marked on the side of the slide), this is a Type II variation, which can be identified via the three levers and the absence of a stock slot. These are closely modeled on the M1911, though in 9mm and not .45 ACP. Originally designed in the early 1930s, the VIS 35 would serve as the primary service handgun of the Polish Armed Forces until the occupation of Poland by Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939. Under German occupation, the FB Radom factory continued to produce VIS 35s for Germany, many of which went to fallschirmjagers. This example has matching serial numbers and quite a few waffenamts. The finish has oxidized, resulting in the pistol having a nice plum hue. The grips are both marked “FB” and have light wear to them, aside from a small chunk missing in the bottom of the right panel. The barrel has a moderate amount of erosion in it, though there is more than enough rifling to make for a good shooter. This is a good example of an interesting military surplus pistol that does not come up very often. It would fit well into any Polish, German, or Second World War collection. Please see our photos.

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