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Minty 1944 9mm Walther P38
Guns International #: 100699472 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Walther Pistols - Military Pistols - Antique
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: James Carr's Antique Guns and Collectibles
Member Since: 3/8/15
First Name: James
Last Name: Carr
State: Colorado
Zip: 81403
Country: United States
Phone: (703) 431-3159
Number of Active Listings: 20
Total Number of Listings: 127
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Zelle, money orders or checks with cleared funds
Description:
The P-38 is considered the first modern combat handgun. The design was developed in the 1930’s by the Walther arms group in Thuringen, Germany. The pistol was the first double action combat handgun. It had a de-cocker, firing pin block, and a loaded chamber indicator, so it was safe to carry the pistol with a chambered round and the hammer down.
The gun was manufactured during WWII by Walther, Mauser and the Spreework factory in Spandau, Berlin As the weapon was regarded as the most advanced handgun of WWII, many American soldiers took home one as a war souvenir. Of the three manufacturers, Walther made were regarded as the most prized because of superior craftsmanship by that manufacturer. After the war, numerous captured P-38s made by Mauser and Spreework which had been captured by the Russians were sold internationally (normally with an import stamp added to the weapon). Many of these were refinished from their original state or were assembled from parts of a number of guns.
This example bears the stamp on the slide “7899J ac 44”. This indicates that the gun was manufactured in the Walther plant, in 1944 and was given the serial number of “7899” for that calendar year. From archival manufacturing records compiled at P38forum we know the “J” following the serial number indicates the gun was produced at the plant in September of that year.
The “7899” serial number is stamped on frame, slide and the front of the barrel. Accordingly, the gun is “number consistent” and is complete and original in all its components. The reverse of the slide bears a “359”, Nazi eagle and further “359”. From the proofhouse compilation of German ordinance codes, we know that the “359”’s were the Heerswaffenamt inspector’s proof and approval marks for arms being produced during WWII by Walther, Zella-Mehlis, Germany. The inside of each of the Bakelite grips also reflect the “359” stamp.
The gun is absolutely cherry, and as close to perfect as you can get a WWII original and complete, all consistent serial numbers Walther P-38. It should be a welcome addition to any WWII collection.
I have put together with this gun a hard to find original clip marked “P.38v U”. This stamp identifies the clip as one manufactured by the Walther factory during late 1944, the same time period and manufacturing source of this P-38.
If you want to go an extra step on this piece you might want to consider the very good condition original P-38 holster I have separately listed for sale on Guns International. That holster was not original to this particular P-38, but it fits and matches up with it perfectly.
Shipping to FFL anywhere in the Continental USA west of the Mississippi by UPS ground will cost $30 in addition to the purchase price. Other shipping locations at actual cost. I do not accept payment by credit cards or Pay Pal.
Please Note: I am just an old guy who collected guns, parts and civil war memorabilia for many years who is liquidating his collection. I do not make my living buying and selling guns. My comments on any particular gun being sold are based on my knowledge as a collector, my examination of the gun, my research, and my comparison with other similar guns. I do not purport to be the second coming of Norm Flayderman, and recognize that there is always something to learn in connection with antique guns (although others I encounter seem to think they know everything). The pictures I post are intended to give you what you need to make a fair assessment of the item being sold. Please study these closely. If you find there is some detail that is unclear, let me know and I will get you that detail if it exists. Finally and most importantly, be clear that the guns I am selling are being sold as collectibles and nothing more.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes