This Beretta 950B is a compact semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in .22 Short (Tipo Flobert), manufactured by Pietro Beretta S.p.A. in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy. Serial number C12992. It comes with its original 6-round magazine.
This 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 Beretta 950, introduced in 1952, is one of the most iconic pocket pistols of the 20th century. Its hallmark feature is the tip-up barrel, released by a lever on the frame, allowing direct chamber loading without racking the slide — a design that became the signature of Beretta's compact pistol family (950/Minx/Jetfire).
The 950B is the pre-1968 Italian-made variant, distinguished by the absence of an external safety lever. Security relies on an inertial firing pin and the hammer half-cock notch. The later 950BS (post-1968) added an external thumb safety — "BS" standing for "Brevettato Sicurezza" (patented safety) in Italian.
This example bears the marking "TIPO FLOBERT" on the frame, the Italian classification for .22 Short ammunition — the oldest metallic cartridge still commercially produced, dating back to 1857. The .22 Short variant of the 950 was known as the "Minx" and was produced until approximately 1993. It is considerably rarer than the .25 ACP "Jetfire" version.
Technical Specifications
Markings
Condition
Very good overall condition for a vintage collector's firearm. The original blued finish presents an honest patina with minor holster wear and slight lightening along the slide and frame edges — consistent with a carried but well-maintained personal pistol. The black checkered grips with the Beretta trident logo are complete and intact. The tip-up barrel mechanism operates correctly. The hammer and trigger function properly. No visible modifications — the pistol remains in its original factory configuration.
What's Included
