Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this LIMITED EDITION semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Baikal IJ-70 “KGB Commemorative” Issued by The American Historical Foundation.
The Baikal IJ-70 “KGB Commemorative,” issued by The American Historical Foundation, is a limited-edition variant created to commemorate the history and mystique of the Soviet-era KGB, blending Cold War symbolism with a commercially produced Makarov-style pistol. These special models were typically finished with distinctive markings, decorative emblems, and presentation-style features intended to appeal to collectors rather than service use. Produced in a strictly limited run of 1,000 pistols, the KGB Commemorative IJ-70 stands apart from standard imports due to its themed presentation and scarcity, making it a niche but desirable collectible among enthusiasts of Cold War memorabilia and commemorative firearms.
According to the owner, this remarkable pistol comes from the personal collection of Bruce “Box” Boxleitner and was specially gifted to him by the American Historical Foundation as a one-of-a-kind tribute to his iconic television role. The firearm is a Russian KGB-themed Makarov, custom-engraved and gold-filled on the right side of the slide with the name “SCARECROW,” honoring Boxleitner’s portrayal of secret agent Lee “Scarecrow” Stetson in the hugely popular CBS action-comedy series Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983–1987), co-starring Kate Jackson. The series frequently revolved around Cold War espionage and KGB-related storylines, including notable episodes such as “The Khrushchev List” and “All the World’s a Stage,” which featured prominent Soviet spy plots. Upon learning of Boxleitner’s deep connection to these themes, the president of the American Historical Foundation personally commissioned and presented him with this customized example from their limited KGB Commemorative series. Accompanying photographs of Boxleitner holding the pistol further document its authenticity and unique provenance, making it an extraordinary piece of television and Cold War memorabilia.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Baikal - Issued by The American Historical Foundation
Model: IJ-70 “KGB Commemorative”
Model: IJ-70 “KGB Commemorative”
Serial: A043695
Caliber: 9x18 Makarov
Finish: Blue with Gold-Plated Hammer, Safety, Slide Release, and Trigger
Barrel Length: 3 ¾"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic “Baikal” Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide features inlaid gold engravings of the KGB Cyrillic logo, gold stars, and a banner commemorating the KGB's founding date, along with a gold sickle & hammer at the rear. The right rear of the frame is engraved and gold-filled with the commemorative number “KGB-0057.” The right side of the slide is engraved and gold-filled with the work “SCARECROW.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Baikal IJ-70 is a compact semi-automatic pistol produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant in Russia, best known as a commercial and export variant of the famed Makarov PM service pistol. Introduced in the early 1990s following the end of the Cold War, the IJ-70 was designed specifically for civilian and international markets, particularly in the United States. Chambered primarily in .380 ACP, with some versions also produced in 9×18mm Makarov, it retained the proven straight-blowback operating system, fixed barrel, and rugged steel construction that made the original Makarov renowned for simplicity, reliability, and durability. Distinctive features of the IJ-70 include adjustable rear sights, commercial-style markings, and a slightly modified grip frame to comply with import regulations, setting it apart from its military counterparts.
Caliber: 9x18 Makarov
Finish: Blue with Gold-Plated Hammer, Safety, Slide Release, and Trigger
Barrel Length: 3 ¾"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic “Baikal” Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide features inlaid gold engravings of the KGB Cyrillic logo, gold stars, and a banner commemorating the KGB's founding date, along with a gold sickle & hammer at the rear. The right rear of the frame is engraved and gold-filled with the commemorative number “KGB-0057.” The right side of the slide is engraved and gold-filled with the work “SCARECROW.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Baikal IJ-70 is a compact semi-automatic pistol produced by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant in Russia, best known as a commercial and export variant of the famed Makarov PM service pistol. Introduced in the early 1990s following the end of the Cold War, the IJ-70 was designed specifically for civilian and international markets, particularly in the United States. Chambered primarily in .380 ACP, with some versions also produced in 9×18mm Makarov, it retained the proven straight-blowback operating system, fixed barrel, and rugged steel construction that made the original Makarov renowned for simplicity, reliability, and durability. Distinctive features of the IJ-70 include adjustable rear sights, commercial-style markings, and a slightly modified grip frame to comply with import regulations, setting it apart from its military counterparts.
From a historical and collector perspective, the Baikal IJ-70 represents an important transitional firearm, marking the entry of former Soviet arms manufacturers into the global commercial marketplace. Its combination of Cold War heritage, robust engineering, and affordable pricing made it a popular choice among shooters seeking a dependable defensive pistol with military roots. While not rare, well-preserved examples—particularly early imports and those retaining original accessories—are increasingly appreciated by collectors of surplus and post-Soviet firearms. As interest in Cold War–era weaponry continues to grow, the IJ-70 stands as a tangible link between Soviet military design and modern civilian ownership.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the red-velvet-lined walnut presentation case with a glass top, pictures of Actor Bruce “Box” Boxleitner with this pistol, and all other contents, as pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1159356206 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-03-15 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1802 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-03-15 18:02:13 |
