CZ-52 2-digit serial number

[aere]

Hello Members, Recently, I've acquired a CZ52 pistol manufactured in 1953, with A44 serial number stamped on the receiver, the slide and the barrel. In addition, the receiver has a very light, barely visible third "4" to the right of "44" which is, probably, a double-stamping. The finish is original gray and there is no "VOP" mark on the receiver. The pistol was imported into the USA by Century Arms International of Saint Albans, Vermont, according to the markings. Somebody told me that 2-digit serial numbers belong to 200 pistols issued for the army testing prior to production; although, the receiver has "rid" stamped to the right of the serial number and the barrel has "T in circle" stamp. I would appreciate any information about this two-digit serial number. Thank you.

[rdcinhou]

Per Know Your Czechoslovakian Pistols (R. J. Berger, 1989) "rid" is the "Military Code of Ceska Zbrojovka Factory".

Cold War Pistols of Czechoslovakia, (James D. Brown, 2009) devotes pages 65-106 to the Vz52 with many pictures.

I highly recommend this book, it has large glossy pages with a lot of good pictures.

The "A" series serial numbers started in 1953.  They were considered "alpha" series so the serial number did not contain leading zeroes.

Since the "F" series began in 1952, I do not believe the story of yours being part of a pre-production run of 200. Each letter series was supposed to run to 10,000 units.

The T in a circle is a Czechoslovak Military proof mark and stands for "Tormentacni" (p. 96 Berger Ibid).

The crossed swords are a common Czech military proof mark.

[aere]

Thank you very much rdcinhou, mystery solved! I wonder if pistols with "A**", 2-digits serial numbers are generally more desirable than ones with "more digits" numbers?

[rdcinhou]

Because of how the vz 52 were sequenced serial-number-wise, A low-digit A series might be slightly more valued.

The greatest contributor value to a collector is the condition of the gun.  From your photo yours has the original Parkerized finish in very good condition.

Functionality is next.  Be sure to read up on all of the advice on this forum regarding the vz 52 (searching within a subboard is your friend!).

The vz 52 was ground-breaking in its day having both a safety and decocker, shooting a high-power submachine gun round and having the double roller bearings.

Take good care of yours!