The FB Radom Vis Mod 35, officially designated the Pistolet Vis wz. 35, is a single action semi automatic pistol chambered in 9mm Parabellum, designed by Piotr Wilniewczyc and Jan Skrzypiński and manufactured at the Fabryka Broni (FB) factory in Radom, Poland. The pistol operates on a short recoil, locked breech system and incorporates a grip safety, a manual decocking lever, and a takedown lever. Early production pistols were finished to a high standard with machined slide markings, a slotted backstrap for a detachable shoulder stock, and a lanyard loop. Following the German invasion and occupation of Poland in 1939, the Radom factory was placed under German administration and production of the Vis 35 continued for Wehrmacht issue under the designation P.35(p). German occupation production is categorized into four variations reflecting a progressive decline in fit, finish, and craftsmanship as wartime demands increased. Earlier examples display the highest quality of materials and workmanship, while later types exhibit rougher machining, simplified controls, and the systematic elimination of features such as the stock slot, lanyard loop, and decocking lever. Stock slots are found only on pre-war and Type 1 pistols.

This example is a Type 1/Grade 1, Sub Variation 3 pistol bearing the serial number A7968 on the frame, with matching serials marked inside the slide ("A7968") and on the left side of the barrel lug ("968"). The A block serial prefix and serial range above A1000 are consistent with Grade 1, Sub Variation 3 classification and estimated late 1940 production. The pistol is finished in polished blue throughout. The frame features a stock slot milled into the rear backstrap, a trigger relief cut, and the full three lever configuration consisting of the slide stop, decocking lever, and takedown lever. The slide markings are stamped and positioned closer to the rear of the slide than Sub Variation 2 examples. The pistol is fitted with large screw heads and brown/red bakelite grips, with the left panel marked "FB" and the right panel marked "VIS". Accompanied by one magazine with an E/189 marked floorplate. No original box or accessories included. This particular pistol is in excellent condition, with relatively minimal evidence of previous rusting. The bore presents strong rifling, with bright and clean exterior barrel surface. Similarly, the internal surfaces of the frame and slide show no signs of rust or significant wear.

Markings

The left side of the slide is marked "WaA77" (Radom), followed by "F.B. RADOM VIS Mod.35.Pat.Nr.15567. / 'P.35(p)'", along with German eagle insignia and E/623 (Steyr). The left side of the frame is marked "WaA77" (Radom). The left side of the barrel lug is marked with the matching serial "968", two E/623 (Steyr) markings, and a German eagle insignia. The right side of the barrel is marked with an "R". The bottom of the barrel is marked "882". The right side of the trigger guard bears a cluster of various inspection markings. The inside of the slide is marked with the matching serial "A7968". The bottom of the magazine floorplate is marked E/189 (Steyr).

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Fabryka Broni (FB), Radom, Poland (under German occupation)
• Model: Vis Mod 35, P.35(p)
• Variation: Type 1/Grade 1, Sub Variation 3
• Serial Number: A7968 (matching frame, slide, and barrel)
• Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
• Action: Single action, semi automatic, short recoil locked breech
• Barrel Length: 4.53 inches
• Frame: Carbon steel, polished blue finish
• Slide: Carbon steel, polished blue finish
• Grips: Brown/red bakelite, marked "FB" (left) and "VIS" (right)
• Sights: Blade front, notch rear
• Safety: Grip safety, decocking lever
• Features: Stock slot, trigger relief cut, three lever configuration, large screw heads
• Magazine: One 8-round magazine, floorplate marked E/189