This Česká zbrojovka Sa vz. 61 Škorpion is a Czechoslovak-manufactured select-fire machine pistol chambered in 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP), serial number F 4555, produced in 1974 at the CZ factory in Uherský Brod. It features its original folding wire stock, walnut pistol grip, and comes with two 20-round curved magazines in the original military-issue leather magazine pouch attached to the stock.
This machine pistol is a distinguished part of the private collection of HRH Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, son of the last King of Italy, Umberto II. An authentic Certificate of Ownership accompanies this piece.
Historical Significance
The Škorpion vz. 61 is one of the most iconic compact automatic weapons of the Cold War era. Designed in 1959 by Czech engineer Miroslav Rybář (1924–1970) and produced at Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod from 1961 to 1979, approximately 200,000 units were manufactured. Originally designated Samopal vzor 61 ("submachine gun model 61"), the Škorpion was specifically developed for Czechoslovak security forces, special operations units, vehicle crews, and as a personal defense weapon for officers and non-combat personnel. Its compact dimensions — barely larger than a full-size service pistol when folded — and its select-fire capability made it a unique Cold War-era weapon category unto itself: the machine pistol. The innovative rate reducer mechanism, designed to slow the cyclic rate from approximately 1,000 rpm down to a manageable 850 rpm, made controlled automatic fire feasible despite the weapon's diminutive size. Chambered in the low-recoil 7.65mm Browning cartridge, the Škorpion was widely exported and adopted by military and police forces throughout the Eastern Bloc, the Middle East, and Africa. Licensed production was undertaken by Zastava Arms in Yugoslavia, maintaining the Škorpion name. Its distinctive silhouette and Cold War heritage have made it one of the most recognizable military firearms of the 20th century.
Technical Specifications
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Manufacturer: Česká zbrojovka (CZ), Uherský Brod, Czechoslovakia
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Model: Sa vz. 61 Škorpion
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Serial Number: F 4555
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Year: 1974 (factory code "she 74")
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Caliber: 7.65x17mm Browning (.32 ACP)
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Action: Select-fire, blowback, closed bolt
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Fire Modes: Safe (S) / Semi-automatic (1) / Full-automatic (20)
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Rate of Fire: approx. 850 rpm (with rate reducer)
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Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds (curved detachable box magazine)
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Barrel Length: 115 mm (4.53")
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Overall Length: 517 mm stock extended / 270 mm stock folded
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Weight: 1.30 kg (2.87 lbs) empty, without magazine
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Sights: Protected front post; flip-up two-position rear sight (75 m / 150 m)
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Stock: Folding wire stock (folds over top of receiver)
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Grip: Walnut pistol grip with finger grooves
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Finish: Military phosphate (grey-green)
Markings
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Top of receiver (front): "she 74" — factory code (she = CZ Uherský Brod) and year of manufacture (1974)
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Top of receiver (front): "F 4555" — serial number
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Left side of receiver: serial "F 4555"
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Top of receiver: crossed swords — Czech military proof mark (Zkušební úřad pro zbraně a střelivo)
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Left side of receiver: selector markings — "S" (safe), "1" (semi), "20" (full-auto)
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Leather magazine pouch: handwritten "Scorpion Pistolet" and "HV" markings
Condition
Good overall condition consistent with honest military service. The phosphate finish shows wear, paint loss, and scratches at high-contact areas — the bolt cover, receiver edges, and muzzle area — all consistent with field use and storage. The walnut pistol grip is in good condition with normal handling marks and intact finger grooves. The folding wire stock is functional and locks correctly in both positions. The selector mechanism cycles through all three positions. The original military-issue leather magazine pouch is in good serviceable condition with light patina. A genuine Cold War-era military piece showing authentic service history.
What's Included
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1x CZ Sa vz. 61 Škorpion machine pistol in 7.65mm Browning (S/N F 4555)
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2x 20-round curved magazines
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1x Original military-issue leather magazine pouch (mounted on stock)
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Certificate of Ownership — V.E. de Savoie Collection
