Czech Cold War Police Pistols
By James D. Brown
ISBN: 9780764367922
Binding: Hardback
Height: 11"
Width: 8.5"
Number of Books: 1
Thickness: Approximately 1"
Weight: Approximately 2 lbs. 7 oz.
Pages: 160
Number of Photos: 290 color and black-and-white photographs
Background
Developed and manufactured behind the Iron Curtain, the ČZ vz. 50 and its modernized successor, the vz. 70, served as compact police pistols during the Cold War. Although substantial numbers eventually reached Western collectors, these pistols were seldom encountered or well documented outside Czechoslovakia for much of their service life.
The abbreviation vz. comes from the Czech word vzor, meaning "model" or "pattern." The vz. 50 was developed in the years immediately following World War II for Czechoslovak police use. Chambered in 7.65 mm Browning, also known as .32 ACP, it is a traditional double-action, blowback-operated semiautomatic pistol. The later vz. 70 retained the basic operating system while incorporating a number of changes intended to modernize its appearance, handling, and production.
Both pistols were produced by Česká zbrojovka, better known as ČZ, one of the most important names in Czech firearms manufacture. Their police association, long production history, Cold War origins, and numerous markings and production variations make them far more interesting to collectors than their modest size and utilitarian appearance might initially suggest.
Author James D. Brown has studied military and Cold War firearms for decades. Following publication of his earlier work, Cold War Pistols of Czechoslovakia, he continued gathering information and maintaining contact with collectors and researchers around the world. The ČZ Models 50 and 70 concentrates that expanded research into a dedicated reference for these two closely related Czech police pistols.
Description
The ČZ Models 50 and 70: Czech Cold War Police Pistols is a detailed, heavily illustrated guide to the vz. 50 and the modernized vz. 70. Brown examines the pistols as both historical police arms and collectible mechanical artifacts, placing their development and production within the broader setting of postwar Czechoslovakia and the Cold War.
The book covers production history, design and operation, performance, maintenance, markings, proof marks, manufacturing changes, and accessories. Detailed photographs show complete pistols, components, disassembly, serial numbers, grip variations, magazines, holsters, and other features that help collectors identify and evaluate individual examples.
Tables and close-up photographs make the book especially useful when comparing pistols that may appear nearly identical at first glance. The reference helps explain the differences between the vz. 50 and vz. 70, documents changes made during their production lives, and gives collectors a more informed basis for recognizing variations, replacement parts, and period-correct accessories.
With 160 pages and 290 color and black-and-white photographs, this is both an accessible introduction and a specialized collector's reference. It will appeal to collectors of ČZ firearms, European police pistols, Cold War arms, .32 ACP pistols, and Czechoslovak military and law-enforcement history.
For anyone who owns, collects, or is considering the purchase of a vz. 50 or vz. 70, this book brings together the historical and technical information needed to understand what might otherwise be dismissed as a simple surplus pistol.
Notes
The buyer will receive one new hardback copy of The ČZ Models 50 and 70: Czech Cold War Police Pistols, identical to the book described above and shown in the photos below. Feel free to email via the eBay messaging system for answers to any questions.
Above images: Photos of The ČZ Models 50 and 70: Czech Cold War Police Pistols, exactly like the book the buyer will receive.
All original photos and text Copyright © 2026 by Phil Steinschneider and Cool F/X™