Case Decision - 348875

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) has reviewed the request for comment on a firearm deactivation application submitted by the South African Police Services: DFO - Firearm Office, Ladysmith, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The request pertains to an application for deactivation of a Bernadelli 6.35mm pistol (serial number 39115). The intention of the deactivation is to store as a souvenir due to the unavailability of the spares in South Africa.  
 

The Bernadelli 6.35mm pistol made in Italy was one of a number of similar examples made by other European gun maker as a “pocket pistol” or self-defence weapon. It dates from the 1960s when these were fashionable and were readily available at the time. While of some historical interest to firearm collectors as an example of that genre, it does not have any particular local or international heritage value.
 

The lack of provenance on this specific firearm (serial number 39115) creates difficulty to assess the significance of the firearm to South Africa’s national estate (section 3 (3) of the NHRA). 
 

Based on the above, SAHRA supports the proposal for deactivation. The SAPS: DFO – Firearm Office, Ladysmith, KZN, may proceed with the deactivation.