Was This Nagant Revolver Used By A WW2 German Assassin?

Published on October 16, 2023
Duration: 21:26

This video examines a Russian Nagant 1895 revolver with German proof marks, potentially linked to a US intelligence officer who served in Tehran during WW2. It delves into the historical context of Operation Long Jump, a German plot to assassinate the Big Three, and explores the Nagant's unique ability to seal its cylinder gap for silencer use, a feature uncommon in revolvers of that era. The presenter discusses the gun's provenance and the ambiguity surrounding its direct involvement in historical events.

Quick Summary

The Russian Nagant Model 1895 revolver is unique due to its cylinder's ability to move forward when the trigger is pulled, sealing the gap between the cylinder and barrel. This design is crucial for the effective use of a silencer, as it prevents gas from escaping, a feature uncommon in revolvers of that era.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Russian Nagant Revolver
  2. 00:15Historical Context: Mark Felton & WW2 Weapons
  3. 00:47The Nagant's Story: US Intelligence in Tehran
  4. 01:00Tehran: A Den of Spies During WW2
  5. 02:05The Tehran Conference & Operation Long Jump
  6. 03:17Russian Operative & The Plot Discovery
  7. 04:06Master Spy Vartanian & German Paratroopers
  8. 05:02Otto Skorzeny's Role in the Plot
  9. 06:12Vartanian's Account: Following the Agents
  10. 07:10Decision to Capture Agents vs. Wait for Skorzeny
  11. 07:46Aftermath of Operation Long Jump
  12. 08:45Skorzeny's Counter-Account
  13. 09:27The Gun as Concrete Evidence?
  14. 09:51Examining the Nagant Revolver
  15. 10:45The Holster: Post-War or Original?
  16. 11:30Nagant 1895: Design and Grips
  17. 11:57The Nagant's Silencer Capability
  18. 13:00Why Use a Nagant for Assassination?
  19. 13:50The Unique Nagant 9mm Cartridge
  20. 14:17German Proof Marks on the Nagant
  21. 15:15Rarity of German-Proofed Nagants
  22. 15:51The Silencer: Serial Numbers and Markings
  23. 16:55Bulbous Grips: Functionality for Assassins
  24. 17:20Steel Plate Counterweight on Grips
  25. 18:32US Intelligence Officer Oscar's Scrapbook
  26. 19:15Oscar's Military Service and Assignment
  27. 19:56Scenery and Photos from Tehran
  28. 20:31Persian Gulf Command Intelligence Insignia
  29. 20:53Conclusion: The Gun's Story
  30. 21:10Final Thoughts and Channel Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Nagant Model 1895 unique for silencer use?

The Nagant Model 1895 is unique because its cylinder moves forward when the trigger is pulled, creating a seal between the cylinder and the barrel. This action prevents gas from escaping, which is essential for a silencer to effectively reduce the firearm's sound.

What was Operation Long Jump during WW2?

Operation Long Jump was a reported German intelligence plot during World War II to assassinate or kidnap the Allied leaders—Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill—during their 1943 meeting in Tehran, Iran.

Can a Nagant revolver have German proof marks?

Yes, it is possible for a Nagant revolver to have German proof marks if it was captured by German forces during WW2, re-arsenaled, or modified by them. This is similar to how other Soviet firearms were handled by the German army.

Who was Mikhail Vartanian and what was his role?

Mikhail Vartanian, referred to as a master spy, was a 19-year-old Soviet operative who led a network of agents in Tehran. His team reportedly gathered intelligence that thwarted Operation Long Jump by identifying and capturing German paratroopers involved in the plot.

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