NKVD/Militia? Korovin Pistol Presentation Grip

[Mr. Scratch]

I'm unable to find any examples of these, except for the images of a couple of more formally-made grips from 1932 in a Russian NKVD and Militia reference. It appears to be for a rare 1926 TK Korovin pocket pistol. Silver, from the looks of it.

Does this look okay? Who would this be issued to and why?

Writing says: "За преданность делу пролетарской Революции Тов.Поташеву М.И от Треугольника Гомельского Эксплатационнаго района"

("For dedication to the cause of the proletarian Revolution to Comrade Potashev M.I from the Triangle of the Gomel Exploitation Region")

[Komandir RKKA]

TK pistols were used not only by NKVD, but also the middle and senior command staff of the Red Army, high rank civil servants (for example plant director) and Communist party functionary.
Also was used as a gift or reward weapon.
This grip should be silver made I think.

[Mr. Scratch]

Yes, it is made of silver.

I was surprised when I found this, I had no idea that the Soviets produced a pistol intended specifically for private ownership.

[Stive]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korovin_pistol

[Mr. Scratch]

I found this Maxim Ivanovich Potoshev, Stare Security Sergeant, Order of the NKVD, #2544, dated 28/12/37.

I wonder if it might be the same MI Potoshev.

https://translate.google.com/transla...%87&edit-text=

Potoshev.png

[Stive]

The senior sergeant of state security is too small a military rank to reward Korovin's pistol.

[Komandir RKKA]

So called "triangle" is triangle formed by three squares in the Gomel city center (Lenin, Rebellion and Railway station).
So this gun was presented to Potashev by City triangle communal service mangement.

[Komandir RKKA]

"NKVD sergant" rank was equal to Red Army lieutenant and could hold quite a high position in province city NKVD office.