[jacobtowne]

A dealer has two nickel-plated TT-33 pistols. He says that the nickel is original, and that the pistols were issued to officers. Any comments from members about that claim?
JT

 

[Edward Tinker]

I have no clue, but past experience tells me, that unless a general, you aren't allowed nickled guns, they are too shiney. And I bet a general wouldn't have a Tok??

I could very well be wrong, but with most guns I've seen, the GI or gunshop owner in 1948 (or whenever) thought the nickle added to the looks and value.

Ed

 

[jacobtowne]

Thanks. It does sound unlikely, nickel plating pistols in the middle of a war.
JT

 

[Dgiz]

JT,
Just a follow up on this discussion. I just read in Fred Datig's "Soviet Russian Tokarev TT Pistols", page 45, that there was a tradition of presenting nickel TT pistols to persons for wartime bravery. Some had the grip star painted red. I would think they are very rare and easy to fake. Buyer beware!
Dean

 

[c96]

I'm probably the dealer, since I had two such nickel-plated Tokarev pistols - that have been sold. I didn't say they were originally nickel-plated, since I'm confident they were plated later. Fred Datig is probably correct that some were awarded to soldiers in the field. A prominent Finnish collector has reported that a number of these were captured during the Winter War and the Continuation War and are currently in Finnish collections. In any case, it's an interesting variation - as long as the prices don't get crazy......

Bob Adams

 

[Dgiz]

Hi Bob,
Thanks for posting that info on the TTs. Many pistols that were brought home after the war were plated. Even in that condition they are very interesting pieces of history! I enjoy visiting your site often.
Dean